Nelson, Leland G.

 

May 20, 1943 - December 27, 2016

Leland Nelson was born Born to father Max Nelson and Mother Hazel ( Emmett) Nelson at Alameda CA on May 20,1943. Lee passed away on December 27, 2016 shortly after being diagnosed with throat cancer, he was 73.  His wife Virginia Anne Nelson said that Lee went peacefully and quickly at home with his family by his side.  Lee had one son Eric Mathew Nelson. Lee was cremated and per his request his ashes will be scattered at sea. He requested that no memorial service be held for him. 

Lee was a Navy veteran and burial at sea has always been his wish. Many of you know that Lee was a very interesting person with many stories to tell. He was always up to something. He was a man with a real zest for life. In the past I've  considered writing a book about my experiences at The Oakland Tribune and the  folks I worked with at that wonderful old institution. If I ever do get  around to writing that book Lee Nelson will have a chapter all to himself.  The book would probably be put in the fiction section because no one other than those of us who worked at The Trib would believe that the things we went  through and folks we worked with actually happened. Many of you know what I'm  talking about. Lee Nelson was my friend and I will miss him greatly. Rest in  peace my old friend. Dan Sidbury

 Lee has been, a very special person to all of us who knew this fun loving guy.  He did so many things, that as I'm reading about his passing brings a smile to me about so many memories of our relationship over all the years we worked & played together. He & Virginia were always a pleasure to be around.  Our love & condolences to Virginia. John Bellison

 I worked with Lee back in 1975 when I was a field advisor. I was assigned to head up the office in the Livermore/Pleasanton area that consisted of 5 districts. Lee had the San Ramon area. Lee was a hard worker and did a great job. I remember he and my wife were trying to win a television set in a raffle at one of the Tribune picnics. Lee won and my wife Sandy would kiddingly give him hell over the years. I saw Lee as being a bit of an odd character in a good way who saw things through a different prism than other people and he went about his life accordingly. He will be missed by many who knew him.  Sandy and I offer our condolences to his friends and family. Rick Faller

Lee and I would touch base occasionally by phone. I wish that we could have done it more often. He was truly a loyal friend and easy to talk with. Lee had a great smile and loved to laugh. I remember when Lee had 816 District and was so competitive. Our oldest son, Mike, carried a route for Lee. Lee would pick Mike up often to go out soliciting. Lee and I were Sales Field Advisors together. Lee was in City Central and I in Central Suburban. Lee was always so competitive, but in a quiet, gentle way. Lee was good to everyone and truly loved people. I will pray for Lee and I will pray for Virginia and Eric as well.  God Bless you Lee,
 Henry & Carmen