Gene Nelson, 67

Eugene “Gene” Nelson, age 67, passed away following a short illness on January 20, 2012 at Haynes House of Hope in Granville.

Gene was born on November 24, 1944 in Granville, New York the son of Merle W. and Alice (Decker) Nelson.

Gene graduated from Granville High School in 1963.  He served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War.  He married Gail (Talbot) Nelson,in 1968,  the love of his life. They were married for 43 years.

Gene was very civic-minded. He served on Granville Rescue Squad and was a member of Henry Hose Fire Department and Hook and Ladder Fire Co. Gene was a member of the Lions Club, the American Legion Post 323 and the VFW. Gene loved Granville and was proud to be a resident of Granville.

Gene was a true family man. He loved the outdoors.  There was nothing he would rather do than hunt, fish and be out in a boat, surrounded by his three sons, and later his grandchildren. Gene always enjoyed sharing these activities with them teaching them all through the years how to “catch the big one” and cultivate a love and appreciation for nature. He loved spending summers at Lake St. Catherine, and even more when his family grew to include daughter-in-laws and grandchildren.   He was an avid golfer and always enjoyed spending time in his flower gardens.

Gene is survived by his wife Gail (Talbot) Nelson. He is also survived by his pride and joy; his three sons: Todd and his wife Jill of Sauquoit, NY, Dr. Timothy Nelson and his  wife Carrie of Highland Ranch, Co. and Mark and his wife Rynay of Corinth, NY. His grandchildren: Ali, Liam, Connor, Lizzie, Emma, Katie, Aiden, Brody and Skylar. Gene also leaves behind his sisters: Mary Burney and her husband Norman and Geri Villa all of Florida, his brother in law Gary Talbot and sister in law Wendy Casey his nieces Sue and Erika and his nephew Scott, as well as many cousins.

Gene will always be remembered as fun, kind and caring man, and a great friend to many.

A Memorial service and celebration of Gene’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan.28 at the United Methodist Church of Granville with the Reverend Jerry McKinney and Robert Flower officiating. There will be a gathering following the service in the church basement.

The family would like to extend the appreciation to the doctors and staffs of Glens Falls Hospital, Albany Medical Center and especially Haynes House of Hope. The care given by the volunteers and staff was outstanding and a great comfort.  A special thank you to Dr. Gordon Thomas for his kindness, caring and friendship to Gene.

In lieu of flowers the family would like expressions of sympathy to take the form of donations to the Haynes House of Hope, 7187 SR 149, Granville, NY 12832 or to the Granville Rescue Squad, POB 153, Granville, NY 12832.