It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of a kind and gentle man, Nelson Draper, on Sunday January 8, 2017, the day before his 77th birthday.

​

Nelson was a beloved husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol; sons Chris (Germaine), Cam (Wanda) and Corey (Candace); grandchildren Matthew, Dakkota, Kennedy and Oliver; brother Ray (Edith) and sisters Sherri and Jodie (Kevin). He was predeceased by his parents Nelson and Nellie and granddaughter Mackenzie. He was also loved by his extended family, the Getty cousins, Draper cousins in Ontario, and the Hoskin family.

​

Nelson was born in Winnipeg, on January 9th 1940, he lived in the west end, Headingley and St.James. After he and Carol were married in 1963 they moved to Fort Rouge, where they started their family and raised their three sons. In 1980 they moved to Fort Richmond where Nelson enjoyed watching and managing the boys hockey teams.

​

In 1975, he built their cottage at Lester Beach where they spent many happy years entertaining family and friends. Nelson worked as a salesman at Hudson Bay Wholesale for 26 years servicing Southern Manitoba. He then was owner and operator of D&L Distributors, retiring to Lester Beach in 2000, where he became an active member of the Senor Scene in Victoria Beach.

He loved family, friends, hamburgers, fries, Pepsi, chocolate, John Wayne, and superhero's. Nelson truly enjoyed watching and collecting movies, as well as photography and making his own home movies. He also enjoyed dancing, curling, traveling, carpet bowling, the Golden Club, playing Santa, shuffling in Texas and Disney World.

​

Nelson, Carol and the boys enjoyed camping and took many trips including the Dakota's, Ontario and multiple vacations to Florida. As well as many trips with their friends to Las Vegas, Mexico, and Texas. While in Texas they purchased a trailer at Magic Valley in Weslaco, where they enjoyed 9 winters.

​

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and walked the road of dementia for 8 years.

​

The family would like to thank Doctor Brian Sharkey, who assisted and supported us during this long journey. Carol would also like to thank Sherri and Jeannie of the Golden Club, who he couldn't wait to see every Wednesday. Also all of his home care workers, especially Sandra whose care and compassion was very appreciated by both Carol and Nelson. His friends who stuck by him through this journey, including neighbors Isaak and Don who assisted in numerous ways that allowed us to continue living in Lester Beach. A special thanks to Sandy, Eleanor and Rosalie who have always been there for her, we would never have been able to make it through without the help and support of all of you.

 

A Celebration of Nelson’s life will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. (with a brief program beginning at 2:00 p.m.) at The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road.

​

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Society, in honor of Nelson, would be appreciated by the family.