Stephen Nelson Obituary

Steve and I grew up together roaming a very young Pikes Peak Park. Summer and winter there were always fun things to do with Steve around. Great friend, great man. Condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks Nelson and extended family.

I can not begin to express the grief in my heart after hearing of Mr. Nelson's passing. Mr. Nelson was my P.E. teacher at High Plains for my entire elementary career and surprisingly I had not realized (until now) the impact he had on my childhood and my life in general. Tears come flooding to my eyes as I sit here and remember him and all he did for me and all of his students. The commitment he had to his students is unparalleled. I remember the effort he put into his classes as well as the endless hours he put into the always beloved Field Day.

Mr. Nelson, I hope you realize the good you instilled into my heart through your kindness and light heartedness. You were such a wonderful teacher and I apologize if I never thanked you for being a wonderful teacher. Thank you for being there for us kids when we needed you. I will always remember my favorite P.E. teacher, Mr. Nelson.

My sincerest condolences go out to the family. I wish you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

-Lauren (Paul) Vincent

I met Steve teaching music at High Plains. He was a PE teacher, and Brian Usher and I taught music. We called ourselves the Mod Squad! His kindness, his humor, and warmth drew me in immediately. We became lifelong friends. We would spend hours around my piano in my home singing together. Steve and I once took a class together somewhere in the mountains and stayed in a friend’s condo. Brian joined us even though he was not taking the class. The funniest thing happened when the three of us were leaving to get dinner. Nellie and I were already in the car in the driveway and Brian was going to hit the garage door opener inside and run to the car. He was unaware we had an opener in the car. So, every time Brian would run out of the garage, we would reopen it. After at least six tries, Nellie and I were in tears from laughing so hard at being able to prank Brian we finally showed him the garage door opener!

Steve was our best man at our wedding in 1988. He also sang one of our favorite songs, “The Secret of Life”. His voice was beautiful and we still treasure that recording.

Steve would often come to our house and hang out. Brian’s daughter Allison was Sarah’s age, and my kids, Jeff and Amy, got to know and love him as well.

We organized a group of friends to sing at Steve and Stacie’s wedding as a surprise. I was already playing a keyboard for the wedding and we surprised the bride and groom with a song called “The Best in Life Is Yet To Come”.

Many fond memories of Nellie will stay with me always and I will forever miss him and love him.

From the May 16-24, 2021. I shared a glorious Colorado River raft trip with Nellie and 6 others. Cararact Canyon is a deeply incised meander surrounded by Canyonlands National Park and other beautiful landscapes. We navigated rapids and hiked canyons, but most importantly we told stories, shared meals, laughed deeply and sang songs, with Nellie often keeping the rest of us on key and rhythm. Each night as the stars emerged with grandeur, as it was "too dim to stay awake" (his words) Nellie would roll out his sleeping bag on the sand. I loved sharing the outdoors with my friend! His humanity registers deeply within me.

Condolences to family and friends. Mr. Nelson was a World-Class educator. My elementary PE teacher. Far few teachers are truly memorable, where the genuine care for the students shines through to the point where a student can remember 30+ years ago. Mr. Nelson was one of these. While I never knew him out of school. I have many fond memories of Field Days, shoe kicks, parachute games, and scooter boards to the tune of 'Don't Worry Be Happy' blaring from a very 1980's boombox! Thank you for making a lasting impression!

To the family our sincere condolences on your loss. We are neighbors but have never met. We pray you and the family fine peace in the Lord’s love.

Sending lots of love from St. Louis!

Steve was my brother in law but for Steve there were no formal "names". He accepted people as they were and without judgement. I trusted Steve with secrets and knew they were never told. He helped me get use to my horses and we use to enjoy sitting around a fire talking or eating at one of his fish fries. My dad and I use to refer to him as, " a true cowboy, that just didn't own a horse ". That's how I remember my dad too. High praise indeed! Men of this caliber are few and far between. Steve will be greatly missed. I will see you again my brother. Thank you for including me in your family. Always.