Harold Lance Nelson's Obituary
Harold Lance Nelson age 58 of Fruitland Park, Florida passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015 at the Leesburg Regional Medical Center. He was born in South Hampton, Bermuda and moved to the Fruitland Park area 16 years ago from Ballston Spa, New York. Harold was a devoted 5th grade teacher at Triangle Elementary in Mt. Dora, Florida where his primary goal as an educator was to make a difference in lives of his students. An “Educator” at heart he did his best to teach his students, family, friends and colleagues how to think independently and evaluate all possibilities of a problem or issue to ensure they would make the best possible choices. Harold was a man who accomplished much because he focused on his goals and made sure whatever the task… he gave his very best. Before he became a teacher he served 20 years in the U. S. Navy retiring at the rank of Chief. Those closest to him describe him as a kind man of high expectations, loyal, and loving. He had a passion for all children and each summer he volunteered with the Downs Syndrome Foundation of Florida “ican” program which focused on teaching children affected with Downs Syndrome to ride bicycles. Some of his favorite things in life were Starbucks coffee, Pizza, riding his bicycle but most of all his family was his favorite pastime. He enjoyed teasing them with his quirky humor, and again challenging them to constantly push themselves to be better and reach higher levels of success.
He leaves behind to carry on his memory his loving wife of 16 years – Carol; A mother-in-law to whom he always referred to as “Favorite” Lucille Morgan of Fruitland Park; Son- Christopher Nelson of New York; Daughters – Valerie (Billy) Pasternak of Fruitland Park; and Virginia Gatlin of Fruitland Park; a Sister – Heidi (Dean) Calvelage of Winter Haven; 5 Grandchildren – Stetson, Justin, Micah, Lyera, and Liberty; and 7 Great-Nieces and Nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 P. M. on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the Leesburg Church of the Nazarene with a Celebration of Life service immediately following at 7:00 P.M. with Pastor Greg Brown serving as Officiant.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to: Youth Department - Leesburg Church of the Nazarene -2100 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd., Leesburg, Florida 34748
Or
“ican” Program - Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida -
PO Box 533462, Orlando, FL 32853-3462
Page-Theus Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been entrusted with all arrangements.
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