Ray Nelson was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He left this earth to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday August 2, 2024, at the age of 91 years. Ray was born to Laura and Granville Nelson on July 21, 1933, in Campbellton, New Brunswick. He was the 5th born in a family that eventually had seven children. Ray’s family moved to Oshawa, Ontario in 1949. He was a member of the Oshawa Temple Salvation Army in those days & entered the College for Officer Training in 1954. He met his future wife Betty in Toronto at the College for Officers Training. He completed his training in 1955 as part of the Soul Winners session. Soon after completing college, he was engaged to Betty Lou Bissell from Sarnia, Ontario. They were married on July 6, 1957 & started their careers at the small corps (church) of Byersville, in Peterborough, Ontario. At the time of their retirement in 1998 they had been in 18 different appointments together & 13 different cities, including 2 years in Los Angeles, California & 2 years in Seattle, Washington. Plus 2 appointments as single officers (pastors).
Ray loved sports, especially hockey & baseball & participated in each. He also enjoyed completing odd jobs around the house and his “handiwork” is on display throughout our home. He will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humour. On July 6 of this year Ray & Betty celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Ray & Betty have two children, Steve and Susan. Ray will be remembered and missed by his sister Norma, his grandsons Adam (Erin) & Grady (Caitlin) and his granddaughter Robin (Anders). His great grandchildren Riya, Lincoln, Theo, Evelyn, Henry, Elese & Remy. Rays greatest joy was his grandchildren and spending times with them when his health allowed. We are confident this was also true for his great grandchildren, although his health wouldn’t allow him to fully engage with them. His love for God, his wife Betty & his family was undeniable. He will be greatly missed, but we are confident that he is now with his Heavenly Father whom he served faithfully all his life.