In Memory

Carl Gary Nelson VIEW PROFILE

 

Memories From Pat Ostic Nelson ........

 

We met at a party in sophomore year and one week later, October 27, 1962, we were “going steady”.   I was soon practicing writing my future name, Mrs. Carl Gary Nelson, in my notebooks.  For the next 40 years, we hardly spent a day apart. 

1966

Like his brother before him and his three brothers after him, Carl was a wrestler in high school.  And unlike his brother before him, became well acquainted with Mr. Reaves.  He drove a 1964-½  Silver Mustang, one of the first on the road.  Nice car.  I remember he used to drive from his house on the far end of Woodcliff Lake all the way to the far north end of River Vale to pick me up for school.  My mother thought it was ridiculous.  But it was so much more fun than riding the bus.   

I knew when I was 14 that we would be married someday, and  April 1st, 1967 we became husband and wife.  Along came Tammie, then Heather and then a house we built in 1974 on Echo Glen Ave in River Vale where we raised our kids on thru their college years.  They are also Pascack Valley graduates and all four of us had Mr. Linton for Biology.  And yes, he did remember Carl and I!

In 1972 he fulfilled a dream and started his own construction company, Cameo Homes, and over the next 30 years, built homes and fancy additions in and around Bergen County including Whispering Pines Condos in Park Ridge, a subdivision in Montvale, (Heather Ridge Lane after our second daughter) and the town hall in Washington Township. 

 1978

But his real goal in life was to enjoy it.  He had fun in everything he did, at work and at play, with family and with friends and never deprived himself or his family of things, events, and travel that enhanced their lives.  He loved Las Vegas and Atlantic City, our place in St. Maarten, camping trips across the country and back again. 

 

Some people live to be 90 and die before their time…before they were able to accomplish the things they wanted to do with their lives.  But Carl lived two lifetimes in his 55 years and enjoyed life to the fullest, smiling, laughing and making those around him do the same.  I’m sure he is somewhere, saying “Been there, done that!”

Everyone he’s met along the way has some happy, fun loving memory.  When you think of him, make it one of those special happy moments, picture his smile and hold on to that memory –of his face, smiling and laughing.  He left too soon and I shall forever miss him, but my memories of our 40 years together will always make me smile. 

                           



 
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10/02/09 03:05 PM #1    

Pat Large (Mastalli)

My heart truly goes out to you and your family. I feel that those who leave this earth too early have this knowledge deep in their soul and that's why they live life to the fullest. It's obvious you both found your soul mate in each other and celebrated life to its fullest.

10/23/13 10:43 AM #2    

Thomas McKeag

I remember Carl from the time I decided to try wrestling for my winter sport.  Coach Reaves paired me up with Carl.  I had about 10 pounds on Nelson and I lifted weights so I figured it was a mismatch.  Was I ever wrong.  Nelson flipped me around on the mat like I was a little kid.  Before I knew it he had me tied up like a pretzel in a grapevine hold.  After that experience I had great respect for Carl.  When we got done wrestling he gave me one of these big grins of his just like in his memorial picture.  I also remember that bull neck Carl had from wresting that shows up in his class picture.  Sad to see him go.

 

Tom McKeag


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