Gus passed away suddenly at the Almonte General Hospital, Ontario, October 12, 2022 at age 87. Beloved husband of 62 years to Fay (née Griffiths), loving father to Robert, Michael (late Karen Cook), Virginia (Richard Dixon) and David, and dear brother-in-law to Donna Krucik (née Griffiths). A dedicated and loving family man, Gus was a friend to all, and well known in the local Almonte businesses, where he would always cheerfully greet people with a smile, tale or joke.
Gus graduated from Royal Roads University, Victoria BC, and in 1959 from the Royal Military College in Kingston, entering the Royal Canadian Artillery. He served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNFICYP) in Cyprus (1960s) maintaining peace between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, a mission that continues to this day. Gus retired from the military in 1972 as a Major and joined the Federal Government Treasury Board until 1990. Post retirement, he continued to be involved in various aspects of Military Life: attending the Annual Legacy Dinners and Badging Parades at the Royal Military College in Kingston; volunteering his personal time for the Federal Superannuates National Association (FSNA); with the leadership team RMC Club – Ottawa Branch; and as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 240; and volunteering and participating in the North Lanark Highland Games.
Gus was a keen military drummer in the RMC Band when in college, and post retirement played in the Smiths Falls Gordon Pipe Band, the Highland Mist Pipe Band, the Almonte Legion Pipe Band (Branch 240) and the Arnprior McNab Band. He played regularly until the COVID 19 lockdowns of 2020 when deteriorating health limited Gus’s band engagements.
Gus regularly made Charity Donations, quietly and without fuss, to various causes that he thought deserving, and held Life Membership with The Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada.
Friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Fay and Gus on Wednesday November 30, at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa from 3pm to 6pm.
In memoriam donations to the University of Ottawa Heart institute or the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the RMC Pipe Band would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Digital Guestbook
J.R. Digger and Nancy MacDougall
Sheila Cornelisse
Gus will always have a special place in my heart. Rest in peace my friend. Will think of you drumming in heaven when I hear thunder.
Jack Loucks
This news is heartbreaking. Gus was a joy to be with. He was the first side drummer I met at the Town of Mississippi Mills Pipe Band. He patiently taught me the rudiments; Mama-Dadas and Paradiddles and coached me in learning the band drum scores when needed. Gus was such a gentleman and had a great sense of humour. He showed a genuine interest in our daughter, Grace's progress through RMC and post-graduation. I will miss him dearly.
Donald Beattie
What a lovely man Gus was! He seemed to bring sunshine wherever he went, and it was always a pleasure to play in pipe bands with him. Thank you, my friend.
Shaun Melnyk
I had the privilege to play in many parades over the years with Gus and was always happy to have him by my side.
Rest In Peace
Evelyn Brunton
So sorry to hear of his passing. Gus was such a pleasant, friendly, positive-thinking person who always enjoyed drumming. Erana & I always enjoyed visiting with Gus at band practices, concerts, parades & highland games. We will remember him for sure.
Ron and Linda Laight
We are so sorry for your loss. His smile and many stories will be missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian Eatock
I am sorry to learn of his passing. Gus made many thoughtful contributions to the Ottawa Branch of the RMC Alumnae Association. We will miss him.
Ken Ferguson and Heather Oakley
To Fay, Mike, and the rest of the family, our sincerest sympathies on your loss. Gus will be missed by many.
Terry Neill
Sad to hear of my old friend's passing. Gus and I were in the bands at Royal Roads and RMC together and Gus was my best man when I married. My heart goes out to Fay in this time of loss.
Nancy and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Gus Nelson. We extend to Fay, family, classmates, friends and all whose lives were touched by Gus, our sincere condolences and wishes for peace and comfort through these trying times. He was a leader and committed supporter of the Royal military College of Canada, the RMC Pipe Band, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Federal Superannuate’s Association. He dedicated himself as a member of the leadership team of the Ottawa Branch of the RMC Alumni Association, gave of his time in leadership ability to many volunteer enterprises and provided sound counsel that assisted both local and national groups of alumni. Gus will be missed.
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn,
at the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. We will remember them.
Rest in peace my friend
5276 Digger