A Good Man Has Moved On

A family friend passed away last week and I just wanted to write a post about him and share this with you. Rich's step-brother, Jonathan Daniel, is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Jonathan works as a hospice counselor and was able to spend time with Rich before he passed away. Jonathan sent out this email and I have also included Rich's obituary;

I am writing to let you know that my brother, Rich, died very peacefully yesterday at dawn in his home in Delta, CO. We believe that he held on for that day since it was his twin boys' second birthday. Rich always said that the day they were born was the happiest day of his life.

I want to thank you all for your kind words, patience, and support over the last three years. It has meant a great deal to me, our family, and especially Rich. On Tuesday he said to his wife, Trenda, "Tell everyone that I love them...Their prayers have meant so much."

On Monday I asked Rich how he was feeling spiritually.
He replied, "Each day God is growing stronger in my heart. It is so neat--I never have felt so much love inside. He is helping me through the fear and as it leaves I am becoming filled with so much peace and solitude. It is awesome...God is everywhere."

Richard (“Rich”) H. Nelson III

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

Rich Nelson, 36, of Delta died peacefully on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at his home.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Rich was one of the owners of Black Canyon Wing and Clay, where his wit and ready laugh enriched the hunting experience.

He graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1989 and Fort Lewis College in 1995. He was employed as a firefighter for BLM during his college summer breaks.

He was most at home on rivers, mountains, fields and streams. Rich felt the presence of God in the great outdoors.

Survivors include his wife, Trinda Nelson, and sons, Kade and Keegan Nelson, all of Delta; a father, Rick (Hanneke) Nelson of Delta; a mother, Cheri (Jay Kee) Jacobson of Grand Junction; sisters Janay (Dave) Carlson of Westminster; Tara (Joe) Jarvis of Grand Junction, McKenna Daniel-Nelson of Craig; brothers, Jonathan Daniel of Denver, Luke (Lisa) Daniel of Denver, Trent (Julie) Jacobson of Grand Junction, Jay (Leilani) Jacobson of Palisade; grandmother, Jean Nelson of Denver; four nieces and five nephews; countless friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2007, at Black Canyon Wing and Clay Lodge for his friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kade and Keegan Nelson Fund, c/o Bank of the West.