BANGOR, WINCHESTER, Mass., and LYNNFIELD, Mass., – Herman Christopher Nelson, 63, passed away on National Cancer Survivor Day, June 6, 2010, at a Bangor hospital. Spending his last days surrounded by his beloved “T,” family, friends and the compassionate, caring staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center Palliative Care Unit, Herman’s humor and insight transcended the physical challenges his cancer journey presented. Finding a unique way of fitting an eternity into a second, he experienced life to its very fullest. Educated in Winchester, Mass., he graduated in the Class of 1964. While rarely speaking about his military experiences, Herman was a proud veteran, serving his country during the Vietnam War as a skilled mechanic in the U.S. Army. Not only was Herm one of the funniest expert finish-carpenters in these parts, taking great pride in his craft, he was the first volunteer at Cancer Support Center of Maine; giving countless hours of blood, sweat and laughter, leading the construction team that created the center’s office space in Bucksport. Everything in life interested him and he tried his hand and succeeded at a variety of pursuits. He will be remembered for his humor, his strength and his tremendous generosity of self. Whatever asked of him, he’d “be right there,” by living out and fulfilling the definition of the word “friendship.” Hermie’s leisure time was spent sorting baseball cards, gardening, tinkering on old tractors, fishing and enjoying the Maine woods. Trout, bass and pickerel swim more freely today after learning of the passing of this ace fisherman! The staff at Mass General Hospital and EMMC admired and enjoyed Herman, coming to know him well throughout his long journey. Friends and family of Hermie are indebted to the friendly and the professional staff that treated him with humor and kindness. They looked past his cancer and saw the unique man that he was. No matter how ill he felt, when asked, “How are you doing, Herm?” he always replied, “Beauty!” Herman was the greatest of friends to many, and those in Bangor were a close and loving second family to him. His loving Theresa by his side, he left us with this song lyric, “My only, one regret is leaving you all behind.” Herman is survived by his loving life mate, Theresa Soucy of Bangor; his daughter, Elizabeth Nelson of Lynnfield, Mass.; and two brothers, Neil J. Nelson of Winchester, Mass., and Robert J. Nelson and wife, Susan, of Hampton, N.H. A celebration of Herman’s life in Bangor is being planned. Donations in Herman’s memory will be gratefully received by Cancer Support Center of Maine, 147 Main St., Bucksport, ME 04416 or http://cancer supportcenterofmaine.org.
HERMAN CHRISTOPHER NELSON
