Bob (Robert Charles) Nelson
September 1st, 1943 – September 1st, 2023
Bob Nelson passed away on his birthday, after a 5 year long constant health battle, peacefully and at home where he wanted to be, on Friday, September 1st, 2023.
He was predeceased by his mom, Elizabeth; dad, Clarence; brother, Donald; and nephew, Raymond. Bob leaves behind his loving partner and friend of 42 years, Rhonda Hill; Donnie’s girls – Marilyn (Al) Boyce, Phyllis (Dave) Kavalench, Debbie Caron, Tammy (Clayton) Miller, and Cindy (Kevin) Stowe; their brother, Randy Nelson; sister-in-law, Shirley Nelson; Raymond’s daughters, Carrie (Mike) Lawrence and Destinee Nelson, and their mother Bev (Rob) Hodgson; along with many other much loved great and great-great-nieces and nephews, and cousins; special friends: Lloyd, Roger, Lorne, and Shaun; as well as many other good friends and acquaintances.
Bob was a perfectionist and if he did something for you or himself, you knew it was done right. He lived a full life and pursued many passions. Bob loved stock car racing and won several Moose Jaw Club championships, along with Top Driver and Fans’ Choice awards. Many will remember his 1963 Merc Meteor and 1972 Ford Gran Torino, and his numbers 427 and 27, roaring down the track and sliding out of number 4 corner into the home straight in front of the grandstand.
Bob had a lifelong passion for racing pigeons and had them for 70 years. He was a walking encyclopedia of pigeon and pigeon racing knowledge. His birds won many races and always knew they were safe and secure with him. He also had bantam chickens for several years, who would come and sit on the deck with him. Bob also loved his several dogs, a cherished cat, and the horses.
Bob was very musical, played a mean guitar, and had a great voice. He had broad music tastes with country, especially Merle Haggard and Marty Robbins, and soft rock as his favorites, but you haven’t lived if you never heard him play Chopin, Bach, Handel, and Mozart, and AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, and Metallica on the electric guitar.
He restored from the ground up a 1950 Mercury pickup and a 1953 Chev Sedan Delivery and enjoyed attending many car shows.
Bob was a Journeyman Glazier and Aluminum Storefront specialist, and many buildings in Moose Jaw and the southern half of the province showcase his meticulous work. He worked at CPI Glass for 20 years and was partner with Rhonda at Champagne Glass for 17 years.
Bob was very handy at so many things, from working on anything mechanical to building, renovating and general repairs. He was always busy and seldom still.
Bob was a straight shooter, loved to joke, tease, laugh, dance, and have a good time. He was passionate, compassionate, generous, talented, honest, loyal, strong as a bull, a hard worker, and his word was his bond always. We will miss Bob mightily and he will always be in our hearts and minds.
He always used to say “Lay a little Merle on me” before performing one of his songs, so I am going to ‘lay a little Merle’ on him now:
“Sing me back home with a song I used to hear.
Make my old memories come alive.
Take me away and turn back the years.
Sing me back home before I die.”
“I’d trade all of my tomorrows for just one yesterday.”
Will love you always my partner, my friend, my companion, my rock.
Bob loved a cold beer or two on a hot day, so think of him when you lift a cold one.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes, a Private Family Graveside Service will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Bob’s name may be made to The Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658 Station Main, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 7K7. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Sincere condolences to Rhonda and the rest of Bob’s family. Funny story…a few years ago I showed Bob an old Moose Jaw Stock Car Racing Program and sure enough there it was…. a picture of Bob holding the trophy for the Top Driver. He was the best! He got a hoot out of that for sure.
Thank you so much for your kind words Rob.
Lots of good memories.
– Rhonda
Rhonda, Our condolences on this great loss! You are in our thoughts. Yogi and Stacey
Thanks so much for reaching out.
It is much appreciated.
-Rhonda
Thinking of you at this time enjoy the memories
Thanks so much Aletha.
Lots of happy times to remember.
– Rhonda
I’m very sorry for your loss
Very kind of you Brad.
Thank you
-Rhonda
Rhonda, pease know that you are in our thoughts. Our condolences on your loss.
Hi Phil and Deb
Thank you so much for thinking of us.
Very much appreciated.
-Rhonda
Rhonda. sending my condolences on the loss of Bob.
I remember having a car in the stock car races at the same time.
enjoy your memories of all the good times.
Hi Darlene
Thank you so much.
Lots of good memories.
The good old days.
-Rhonda
Dear Rhonda
I’m Sorry to hear Bob has died. Bob and I spent a lot of time together when we worked together at CPI. There is a chance to see Bob alive again according to the Bibles promise in 1 Cor 15:21and 22.
Please accept my condolences to you and your family.
Jim Sikorski
Hi Jim
So nice of you to send the kind words.
I know he spent a winter in your upstairs ‘office’.
Lots of memories.
-Rhonda
Very kind of you Brad.
Thank you
-Rhonda
Our condolences to you, Rhonda, and Bob’s family as well. Gods’ speed Bobby.
Hi Ron and Ginger
Thank you for your wishes.
I am sure he has his foot through the floor and is turning left if he is able.
-Rhonda
Rhonda and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s , or Bobby as I knew him, passing. He was such a great man.
I am Gordon Schulties daughter. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ken and Sandra Ager
Hi Sandra
Thank you so much for reaching out and for your condolences.
We both missed seeing your Dad on a regular basis.
Many good memories to be sure.
-Rhonda
Hi Sandra
Thank you for the condolences.
We sure missed our fairly frequent visits with your Dad.
Nice to hear from you.
-Rhonda
Dear Rhonda, I’ve been remembering so many happy memories of Bob growing up and the visits with you both at your glass shop. Bob was a great guy and he was so lucky to have you in his life which I’m sure he appreciated. My deepest sympathy and love.
Hi Maureen
Nice to hear from you.
We did enjoy some nice visits and at Liz’s too.
Thank you for your kind words.
And, yes, many good memories.
-Rhonda
Aw sorry to learn of this. I raced stock cars against him for several years. One of the good guys.
Thank you Stuart.
He loved driving the stock car as you know.
He had many fond memories of the old club.
So nice of you to add a memory.
-Rhonda
Our most sincere condolences to you Rhonda and your family during this very difficult time.
Rest easy Bob.
Todd, Heather, Kim, Dawn and family.
Hi Todd, Heather, Kim, Dawn, and Family
Thank you so very much.
I know he is resting easy now.
-Rhonda
Our deepest sympathy Rhonda.
So many memories. Bob will be remembered and missed by so many.
Thanks so much Ron and Kathie
A lot of good memories for sure.
-Rhonda
I’m so sorry Rhonda to hear of Bob’s passing. Have lots of memories of him from our days at Pittsburgh Glass especially all the teasing him and Leo could put out. Makes me smile thinking about those days. I’m sure you’ll have trying days ahead, but keep the good memories close and that way he’ll always be with you. Hugs my friend.
My deepest sympathy to you Rhonda and Bob’s family.
Hi Bonnie
Thanks so much.
We had some good times and some good laughs.
Really many good memories.
Hugs back at ya.
-Rhonda
Thank you Gayle.
Much appreciated.
–Rhonda