William Nelson

July 24, 1955 ~ April 11, 2025

It is with deep love and a heavy heart that Noreen announces the passing of her loving husband, William Arthur Nelson, a gentle soul, a steady presence and the dependable rock of his family. He passed away at South Country Village in Medicine Hat on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the age of 69 years. Along with Noreen, left to remember William are his children, daughter, Jackie Nelson and her mother, Gail; daughter, Madi Longley and son, Ray Nelson; grandchildren, Melissa and Logan Gariepy and Jaxson and Zac Longley; sisters, Faye Nelson and Cheryl Jackson; nieces and nephews, Scott and Wendy Bell, Raymond and Leslie Jackson, Derek and Jared Abbott, Nicole, Ryan and Wade McGillivary, Colton and Samantha Wyss, Jessie Wyss and Neil Wyss as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Ray and Betty Nelson; brother, John Nelson and sisters, Penny Abbott and Judy McGillivary. Born in Wainwright, Alberta and raised in nearby Edgerton, William spent his formative years grounded in the values of hard work, quiet strength and deep kindness. He attended school in Edgerton, where his natural curiosity and mechanical mind first began to show — a mind that would go on to solve problems and fix just about anything life put in his path. On September 5, 1987, William married the love of his life, Noreen Wyss, in Grand Centre, Alberta (now Cold Lake). Together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering support. William was an automotive and heavy-duty mechanic for most of his life, known by many for his brilliant engineering mind and his unmatched ability to breathe life back into anything with an engine. Later in life, he took to the open road as a truck driver, hauling oil and enjoying the quiet rhythm of the highway. He had a deep love for motorcycles and relished long rides with friends, always finding freedom and joy in the open road. Those who knew William will remember him as calm, quietly confident and deeply kind; just being around him made you feel at ease. He was dependable in every sense of the word — the kind of person you could always count on. Wise and thoughtful, William never needed to raise his voice to be heard. His presence alone was enough to provide peace and assurance. William had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humour, often bringing lightness and laughter even in the toughest of times. His smile, his laugh and his way of lighting up a room with just a few words will be missed by all who knew him. He found true joy in tinkering in the garage, restoring and maintaining family vehicles, taking on DIY home projects and lending a helping hand to anyone in need. If something was broken, William could fix it. He was a man of faith, attending the Link Church as long as his health allowed, and he had a lifelong love of Elvis Presley’s music, which filled his home with familiar tunes and happy memories. A service honouring William will be held in Edgerton, Alberta at a later date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in William’s name may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society, #306, 10430 – 61 Avenue N.W., Edmonton, AB, T6H 2J3. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reflections Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

• Date : 2025-04-11
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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