CARMAN SANFORD NEILSON

Carman Neilson passed away Sunday, June 11, 2006, with his family at his side, at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Carman will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife, Louise (“Lou”); sons, Eric (Monique), Shawn (Bea), Tim (Natalie), and David; daughters, Kristen and Dinah; grandchildren, Jaret, Adrienne, Quinn, Madeleine, Erin, Geoffrey, Ashley, and Karly; and great-granddaughter, Taylor.
He also is survived by his brothers, Moie (Marjorie), Garnett (Vivian), and Keith (Grace); sisters, Thelma (Walter) Hansen and Dixie Kivi; mother-in-law, Pearl Wardman; brother-in-law, Clark Wardman; sisters-in-law, Kay Neilson, Roma (Donny) Madill, and Carol (Bob) Barrell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Kari; parents, Maurice and Stella Neilson; brother, Art; sister, Bernice Sisco; father-in-law, Bill Wardman; and brothers-in-law, Paul Sisco and Bob Kivi.
Dad was born Nov. 26, 1928 and was raised on the family farm in Pattullo Township. In his teens and early 20s, he worked as a guide on Lake of the Woods, at the fish hatchery in Dorion, and on grain farms in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
On Sept. 1, 1954, he was married to Louise Wardman and they soon moved to their home on Neilson Road north of Stratton, Ont. There, they farmed for nearly 50 years.
Dad worked as a rural mailman for 35 years, having taken over the route from his father. He also was a logger and truck driver. He was a self-taught man in mechanics, carpentry, and guitar playing.
Dad also served as a municipal councillor for more than 20 years.
He and Mom enjoyed square dancing and the lifelong friendships that resulted from it. Dad had a great love of the outdoors, and some of his best times were spent fishing and hunting with his sons and brothers.
In 2002, Mom and Dad moved to Fort Frances. There, he took up swimming and cross-country skiing. Dad also spent much of his time helping Aunt Carol with her concession business at the Memorial Sports Centre.
The girls always looked forward to Dad’s visits.
Dad was an honest, soft-spoken man, strong and full of gentle wisdom. His personality was such that one would feel instantly comfortable talking to him. The coffee pot was always on for those who visited.
He was incredibly knowledgeable and articulate, and had a keen sense of humour. While Dad appreciated the many blessings in his life, his greatest love was for his wife and children.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 14, 2006 from 7-9 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. There also be a visitation on Thursday, June 15, 2006 from noon-1 p.m. at the Millennium Hall in Stratton.
Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at the hall.
The family invites you to a lunch immediately after the service. Interment will be at the Pineridge Cemetery in North Branch following the service.
Active pallbearers will be his nephews, Mike Neilson, Rick Neilson, Ken Sisco, Darrell Hansen, Kevin Kivi, and Greg Madill.
The honourary pallbearers will be Curtis Berg, Ken McDonald, Bob Gouliquer, Chuck Hanson, Allie Benjamin, and Ralph Benjamin, as well as nephews, Danny Neilson, Marty Neilson, Colin Neilson, Lyndon Kivi, Jeff Hansen, Clint Sisco, Tyson Barrell, Marc Madill, Brock Madill, Kurt Neilson, Todd Wardman, Cory Wardman, and Chad Wardman.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 920 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N4 or the Canadian Lung Association, 3 Raymond St., Suite 300, Ottawa, Ont., K1R 1A3, or c/o Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.