The story begins January 29, 1939 in Rainy River, Ontario with the birth of a baby boy. Leslie Eugene Nelson was born to Emanuel and Myrtle Nelson.
Les’ early years were lived in a humble home near Bergland, Ontario with a large family around him. Life at home was difficult financially. Loving the outdoors, he would often choose to sleep outside with the dogs rather than in the house. One thing Les always carried with him, from these early years, was his mom’s love for the Lord; he spoke of her often as a “true Christian.” By the age of six, he already had his very own trap line. At age fourteen, Les left home to work at a bush camp, sawing trees to make lumber, in order to provide for his mother, father, and siblings. His career choices led him into forming his own drywall contracting business which he ran until about 1978.
After retiring from the drywall business, Les’ love of hunting led him to start Duck Mountain Outfitters in Minitonas, Manitoba. This bear and deer hunting business was his true passion. Les also started Duck Mountain Elk Ranch. He was in his element, working with animals and hunting; it didn’t get better than that for him. These were prosperous years for Les, and many people benefited from his generosity. After selling the hunting business, Les decided he still had it in him to run one more business. In 2007, he once again started a drywall company. Les was always a hard worker, strove to do his best, and expected others around him to work hard as well. There was no room in Les’ world for a job half done! In his personal life, Les was a tough, old-school guy. He loved being outdoors, telling stories, watching nature documentaries, eating Chinese food, and of course he loved steak served “real pink.”
Les took care of his family and friends and was also known to stand up when needed. Les married Deanna (Edinger) in Rainy River in 1959. Their family grew to include three rowdy boys: Randy, Steve, and Vance. Les was very proud of his children. In his later years, Les got so much happiness out of his grandchildren; they were his pride and joy. The girls were his “Sweetie Pies” and he often called to ask, “how is everyone?” We will miss Les dearly.
He will be remembered most for his generosity, his caring and loving kindness, and of course for his stubbornness. The stories of his generosity continue to be shared even after his passing. The best day of Les’ life, here on earth, was February 7, 2020. On this day, Les came to know Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour at the age of eighty-one. He knew he was a sinner, and he knew he needed Jesus—what a day of rejoicing! Three hundred and sixty-nine days later, Les went home to be with Jesus, on February 10, 2021.
Les will be dearly missed by his family: wife, Deanna (Edinger) Nelson; his children: Steve (Anna) Nelson, Vance (Korelei) Nelson; his grandchildren: Lisa (Carl Fries) Nelson-Fries, Matthew Nelson, Leslie Nelson, Chelsa Nelson, Emily Nelson, Hope Nelson, Zoe Nelson; his great grandchildren: Isaiah, Isabella, Layla Dick, and Jordan Nelson. Les will also be dearly missed by Brenda (Leonard) Lychuk, Jamie Lychuk, and James Lychuk. He will be missed by many other special family members and friends. Les was predeceased by his parents, Emanuel and Myrtle Nelson, his son Randy Nelson, and numerous other family members.
A private family interment was held at the Minitonas Cemetery.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
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