Robert Irving Nelson Sr.
NELSON, Robert Irving Sr., 81, ASHLAND, at Presque Isle, November 15, 2010. Interment will be at a later date at Portage Lake Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, Ashland.
ASHLAND – Robert “Bob,” “Gramps,” “Dad,” Nelson Sr., died unexpectedly Nov. 15, 2010, at a Presque Isle hospital. He was born Jan. 16, 1928, in Lisbon, son of Otis and Dolly (Hunnewell) Nelson.
Bob was raised and educated in Lisbon. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, serving on the USS Randolph as a rear seat gunner on the SBC-2. After his military service, he founded and operated Modern Roofing and Siding Co., Lisbon, a family business, which he subsequently moved to Ashland in the 1970s to service all of Aroostook County. Other than “trampin’ the roads” for the family business, Bob was very involved with harness racing, where he was successful as a driver and owner of many fine horses. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially fishing the Great Lakes as well as local brooks and lakes. When he was younger, he enjoyed motorcycling. He was a former pilot, owning his own plane for some time. Bob loved to drive to Florida to spend time during the winter months. In recent years, he spent many nights playing Texas Hold ‘Em, winning many poker contests. He was very active in his communities, serving on the town council in Lisbon, several committees for the town of Portage Lake, and as selectman for the town of Ashland, a position he held from 2002 to the present. Bob was very generous in supporting many charities and non-profit organizations, including Ashland Rotary Club, Maine State Police Association, Northern Maine Fairgrounds and Project Grad at Ashland High School.
Bob is survived by his former wife, Joanne B. (Smith) Nelson of Portage Lake; two daughters, Amy Collins and husband, James, of Portage Lake, and Katina Lavertu of Garfield; two sons, Garry Nelson and wife, Debbie, of Mapleton, and Otis Nelson and wife, Ginger, of Portage Lake; 13 grandchildren, Natasha (Nelson) Turner, Robert Nelson Jr., Jacob Nelson, Serena Collins, James Collins Jr., Alicia Collins, Garry Nelson Jr., Isaac Nelson, Robert Lavertu, Autumn Lavertu, Otis Nelson Jr., Kassandra Nelson and Samantha Nelson; seven great-grandchildren, Ashriel Nelson, Robert Nelson IV, Jazmine Nelson, Terry Turner III, Ethan Turner, Mia Turner and Kaydence Howes; three half brothers, George Ruby and wife, Louise, Joey Ruby and wife, Betty, and David Ruby; one half sister, Diantha Landry and husband, Mike; and one daughter-in-law, Nancy Reardon of Augusta.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Robert I. Nelson Jr., in 2001; and a brother, Otis G. Nelson Jr.
A funeral service was held at the Advent Christian Church, Exchange Street, Ashland, on Saturday, Nov. 20, with Pastor Mark Babin of Fort Fairfield, officiating. Interment will be at a later date at Portage Lake Municipal Cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to Northern Maine Fairgrounds Harness Racing Association. Funeral arrangements are a service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com
