Obituary of John Charles Nelson

NELSON: John Charles

Passed away suddenly at the P.R.H.C. on Saturday October 11, 2025.  John Nelson of Lakefield in his 95^thyear.  On September 15, 1978 John married Shirley Bruton in Wildfield, Ontario.  They first resided in Thornhill before moving to Ril Lake, Muskoka in 1987.  They remained there until 1999 when Lakefield became their new home.  John and Shirley were avid travelers, journeying extensively to nearly every continent.  For many years, John worked as a Paramedic in Toronto.  He was a graduate of OCAD in Toronto and became a professional artist, using his skills to capture on canvas various landscapes and portraits.  He was generous to many people and organizations over the years, helping financially or as a volunteer and was a dedicated member of St. Paul the Apostle R.C. Church in Lakefield.  John is predeceased by his wife Shirley (d. 2016).  Survived by his sister Vera Dickson (the late Frank) of Thornhill, sister-in-law Marilyn Bruton (the late Glenn), nephews John Dickson (Lella), Shaun, Peter and Dan Bruton, nieces Karen Dickson, Janice Walker (Jim), Katherine Bruton Shirley’s son Lawrence Chesson (Victoria), great nieces Alessia & Julia Dickson and great nephews Scott & Mitchell Walker.  Predeceased by his sister Gladys Nelson, brother Clifford Nelson and brother-in-law Douglas Bruton (Ruth).  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle R.C. Church, 4 Reid Street, Lakefield on Saturday October 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM.  A reception will follow in the Parish Hall of the church.  Memorial donations may be made to Five Counties Children’s Centre, Peterborough or The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto as expressions of sympathy and may be made by contacting THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL, 66 Queen Street, Lakefield at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.