Carl Nelson

It has taken a while for me to write these words, this story about my friend, Carl.

I met Carl and Lil back in mid 70's. I was a young realtor just starting out in the business of selling the Oregon coast. Carl and Lil were thinking of moving to the green bounty of the coast. We met and a lasting connection continued for the next three plus decades. He had been where I was headed and we shared the stories of the young and old. This was not a story of anything except an abounding spirit wanting and willing to share the "story". I listened and I heard. I love this man and his spirit. My life was changed and it was a good thing. It was a thread of collected experiences, a conclusion that  was a push, for me, into the adult part of my life. And it was very good. I miss you Carl, and I wouldn't be honest is I didn't say I miss your martinis. 

 

John, please accept Larissa and my deepest condolences.  You and your family are in our thoughts. 

The few times I met Carl, he was charming and fun. Just as I would expect of John's dad! Carl must have deeply appreciated the s the having John and Barb, especially after the loss of Lillian. I am so glad, John and Barb, that you were there for Carl.

You are both in our thoughts as you keep Carl in yours.

John, you can take solace in the fact that you had a very long relationship with your Dad. From the few times that I saw him, he was quite a character, a dapper dresser and a conversationalist. I am sure you will miss him but understand he is in a better place and at peace. Being brought up Irish, my Grandmother stressed that "you lived in order to die. So dying was was what one lived for and should be celebrated.  Sorrow was the result of missing someone not losing them." I always reflect on this when I hear about a death, and am glad my Irish Grandma shared it with me.

I am sending my sincere wishes for tranquil inner peace and happiness for you John, Barb and the entire Nelson family through this time and as you continue your journey in life.  I knew Carl Nelson through many stories of his early and recent life from you John and also through this fine memorial site - he was indeed a great man. Thank you for allowing me to learn more about your father. I can see clearly that his gregarious nature, witty humor and delightful personality surely live within you John (and I suspect also in many of his extended family).  May peace be with you and feel free to stop by (right next door) at any time if you need anything at all, or just simply for one of our happy evening chats, which I always look forward to. 

-G

John and Barb - My thoughts are with you as you manage the immediate aftermath of Carl's passing.   Thank you for sharing Carl's story with us - looks like he lived a big life, serving his country, raising a family and bringing joy to others as a go-to record spinner and entertainer.  My hope is the memories of Carl's leadership and achievments comfort you on your path.

I wanted to wish you and your family my deapest sypathy.  I had the pleasure of working with Carl in these past four years here at Emeritus.  He was the Life of any party hosting "Martini" events, and of course, his "Carl's Music Review". I tell mysefl that I know I was just a small part in his life, but he has inpacted my life forever.  I borught several of our regular entertainers to his room this last week before his passing and all of them have said how he has not only giving them the gift of friendship but a bond that they will carry on with them as well.  I thank you all for choosing our community as his home.  May all his positive memories fill you forever too.

John and Elyse, sorry about your father.  I have good memories of growing up in San Jose with Uncle Carl and Aunt Lil.  They were fun to be around.  I do miss them. They were positive influences, and I know I'll think of them both.

My heart goes out to you John. I had a similar experience with my dad. It's hard to verbalize the emotions and pain you go through, and you don't want to.

I didn't know your dad well, but he made a positive impression on me. You were lucky to have him... and for so long.

Keep his memories alive, and stay proud of the positive infuences he obviously made on you.

My Pa was very well liked and loved by many who knew or encountered him.  He brought many people considerable laughter and enjoyment.  In recent years, before he became too infirmed, he hosted regular "DJ Shows" featuring Big Bands and other music of his generation's era at his assisted living community.  These shows were a big hit with his contemporaries...  He never lost the rich timbre of his announcer's voice, and displayed an encyclopedic knowledge of recording artists and the contexts for which their songs were written or performed. 

In the words of the current Dalai Lama:

“I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy.  From the very core of our being, we desire contentment.  In my own limited experience I have found that the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being.  Cultivating a close, warmhearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease.  It helps remove whatever fears or insecurities we may have and gives us the strength to cope with any obstacles we encounter.  It is the principal source of success in life. Since we are not solely material creatures, it is a mistake to place all our hopes for happiness on external development alone. The key is to develop inner peace.”

For the most part, my Pa achieved this purpose of living...