Gary Herbert Nelson died in May of 1999 due to a brain tumor. I don't believe he sought treatment and dismissed it as being sinus problems. Gary's wife, Charmain, was with him to the end.
Gary was my friend during our senior year and we remained close for several years after. While he never spoke much of his family, I know he had a sister & brother in the Sheldon, Iowa area. He had a son , Greg, going to Chico State in California and like his dad was an excellent football player.
During the years after AA, I would get calls from Gary. Many of these calls were during the very early morning hours, but it was always good to hear from him. Though he attended AA only his senior year, I truly believe this was the best year of his high school days. Some of you may remember he and I were 'roomies' during our choir tour. Well...our tour ended sooner then the rest of the choir. Certainly a topic we talked over during post AA days. We're still not sure what happened...but I digress....
After the Navy and a year at Augustana College, he ended up in California in the Big Sur area. He and his wife owned a restaurant along Highway 1. He told me the hamburgers were spendy but they didn't have problems because of the view they supplied. Looking from the cliff into the sunset was the life.
Gary lived his life as he wanted. He never downed anyone for their lifestyle but admired them as he would want the same.
I miss Gary! I would never know when to expect him. I know more then once I would come out of my shower to find him sitting in my chair.
Great tribute Don! From my limited experience with Gary I would totally agree with your comment "Gary lived his life as he wanted, he never downed anyone for their lifestyle but admired them as he would want the same."
What greater respect could you give or receive than that. Thanks for bringing Gary's persona into clearer focus.
Thank you, Don, for writing such a well-stated and memorable tribute to Gary Nelson. I hope you will read this tribute on Friday evening at our class dinner. He was lucky to have you as a friend.
Don, what a touching tribute to Gary. You have way of describing your friend that helps us know him; for me, knowing him better than I did when we were at the Academy. Thank you for such an insightful glimpse into Gary's life and death. He was fortunate to have a friend like you. Rana
Don Knutson
Gary Herbert Nelson died in May of 1999 due to a brain tumor. I don't believe he sought treatment and dismissed it as being sinus problems. Gary's wife, Charmain, was with him to the end.
Gary was my friend during our senior year and we remained close for several years after. While he never spoke much of his family, I know he had a sister & brother in the Sheldon, Iowa area. He had a son , Greg, going to Chico State in California and like his dad was an excellent football player.
During the years after AA, I would get calls from Gary. Many of these calls were during the very early morning hours, but it was always good to hear from him. Though he attended AA only his senior year, I truly believe this was the best year of his high school days. Some of you may remember he and I were 'roomies' during our choir tour. Well...our tour ended sooner then the rest of the choir. Certainly a topic we talked over during post AA days. We're still not sure what happened...but I digress....
After the Navy and a year at Augustana College, he ended up in California in the Big Sur area. He and his wife owned a restaurant along Highway 1. He told me the hamburgers were spendy but they didn't have problems because of the view they supplied. Looking from the cliff into the sunset was the life.
Gary lived his life as he wanted. He never downed anyone for their lifestyle but admired them as he would want the same.
I miss Gary! I would never know when to expect him. I know more then once I would come out of my shower to find him sitting in my chair.
God speed Gary, thinking of you....
Mark Madson
Great tribute Don! From my limited experience with Gary I would totally agree with your comment "Gary lived his life as he wanted, he never downed anyone for their lifestyle but admired them as he would want the same."
What greater respect could you give or receive than that. Thanks for bringing Gary's persona into clearer focus.
Esther Stene (Krueger)
Thank you, Don, for writing such a well-stated and memorable tribute to Gary Nelson. I hope you will read this tribute on Friday evening at our class dinner. He was lucky to have you as a friend.
Esther
Rana Limbo
Don, what a touching tribute to Gary. You have way of describing your friend that helps us know him; for me, knowing him better than I did when we were at the Academy. Thank you for such an insightful glimpse into Gary's life and death. He was fortunate to have a friend like you. Rana