November 22, 1941 – April 8, 2026
It is with great sadness that we, his children, announce the passing of William (Bill) Alton Lorne Nelson on April 8, 2026, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born on November 22, 1941, in Saint John NB to Eustace and Isabelle (LeBuffe) Nelson. He was a loving husband to his late wife and high school sweetheart, Doris (Watters) Nelson for just over 53 years and a loving father to his four children.
Bill enjoyed his career working as a linesman for NBTel/Aliant for 38 years and making many valued friends along the way. After his retirement from NBTel, he worked at Chateau de Champlain transporting the residents to appointments for about 10 years. In his spare time, he and Doris enjoyed coaching the KBM Aces Little League then Senior League teams together for more than 20 years. Each of their children also spent time on the field. They also enjoyed singing in the church choir at Portland United and the Carleton Choristers. Bill also volunteered his time with the Boy Scouts for many years attending lots of camps and jamborees. He also loved spending time in his two-story garage, that he built, tinkering and talking on his Hamm radio. In their retirement Bill and Doris enjoyed spending summers in their trailer at New River Beach.
Bill is survived by his children Philip (Elizabeth Donnelly-Nelson), Jeffrey (Michelle Burns) and Heather Cormier (Armand). His grandsons, Alex, James, Brandon and Ryan Nelson, his granddaughter Grace Cormier, great granddaughter Vera Nelson He is also survived by his sister Sharon Lister, daughter-in-law Laurie Nelson and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, his wife Doris, his youngest son Brent, his siblings Wanita Marshall, Dorothy Rimbault, Muriel Farrer, Donald Nelson, Ronald Nelson.
The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of 4AN for their exceptional care. Donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Scouts of Canada (Saint John), the Carleton Choristers or the donor’s choice would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. Words of remembrance will begin at 3:30 PM, followed by a time of fellowship with food and refreshments. A private family interment will take place in Ocean View Memorial Gardens Cemetery at a later date.
