Downing Nelson

Berlin, NH

Downing R. Nelson of Berlin passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Androscoggin Valley Hospital. He was 93 years old.

Born in Berlin on August 12, 1923 he was the son of Hebert and Marion Nelson (Dustin).

Downing served in the United States Army from 1942 through 1946. He was trained as a Rifleman and was a member of the 407th Infantry Regt in Germany. After returning from the war, Downing and a friend ventured in a jump off of the Nansen Ski Jump, a memory that Downing often recalled and shared with others.

He and his wife Cecile (Roy) spent most of their years in Portland, Maine. He worked and retired from Sanborns Motor Express where he worked as a Truck Mechanic. They enjoyed traveling around the world. In his earlier years he was most proud of being a part of the 1941 Berlin High School Championship Ski Team.

He is predeceased by his loving wife Cecile who passed away in 2014; a brother Kenneth Nelson and nephew Richard "Dickie" Nelson.

Downing leaves behind a brother Harold of Epping, NH; Special Family Members; Priscilla Nelson, Lisa Nelson, Denise Kalagher and husband Jack, Philip Nelson, Lori Wassung and husband Edward, Sherri Nelson, Brett Nelson, Vicki Nelson, Lise Laverture and husband Mike, Michael Roy and wife Roxanne, Brian King and partner Karen Supry, Wayne King and wife Julie, Sandra Shotts and Brenda Stewart and husband Mike and Kendra Patchett and husband Aran.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 1:00pm at St. Anne Church of Good Shepherd Parish in Berlin. Interment will follow at St. Anne Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held prior to the Mass at St. Anne Church from 11:30am til 12:30pm with the Mass to follow.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Nansen Ski Club, PO Box 222, Berlin, NH 03570.