Garry H. Nelson Sr.

PRESQUE ISLE – Garry H. Nelson Sr., 63 went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, while at the Aroostook House of Comfort surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 14, 1961, in Lewiston, the son of Robert Irving and Joanne Beverly (Smith) Nelson Sr.

Garry grew up in Lisbon Center and graduated from Lisbon High School in 1979. During this time, he developed a strong work ethic and took great pride in his work while being employed at Blais Supermarket. Following his graduation, he started working with his father, Robert, in the family business of roofing and siding installation.

The Nelson family later relocated to the family camp at Portage Lake. Garry continued working in the family business while raising his two sons, Garry, Jr. and Isaac.

In the early eighties, through the gift of a family member, Garry started taking flying lessons and began a journey of flying that would become a passion.

He married Debbie Churchill in 1996 and welcomed her children, Justin and Elizabeth, into his heart and family, raising them as his own. Together Garry and Debbie raised their four kids with faith, love and a strong work ethic. In 1997, Garry and Debbie along with his business partner Harris Nickerson, started Aroostook Trusses.

Garry and Debbie would travel to their home in Florida as well as any other place he could land a plane. He and Debbie also enjoyed vacationing, especially in the Caribbean. Garry and Debbie also enjoyed renovating their rental properties and took great pride in their work.

Garry was also a longtime member of Framework Church in Presque Isle. His faith in his Lord and Savior was the most important part of his life.

Garry served his community not only as a business owner and leader; he became a counselor for the Presque Isle City Council in 2021. A position he took seriously and was honored to be a part of.

He truly treasured his family and made the most of all the time together. He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Nelson, four children: Garry Nelson, Jr. and his wife, Mindy; Isaac Nelson; Justin Dee; Elizabeth Elliott and her husband, Matt; six grandchildren: Brooke Sullivan and her husband, Matt Sullivan, Jaida Beaulieu, Aiva Elliott, Adelyn Elliott, Dylan Fuller, Connor Fuller, as well as two great-grandchildren, Parker and Olive Sullivan. Garry also leaves behind two sisters, Amy Collins and her husband, Jim; Katina Lavertu; a brother, Otis Nelson and his wife, Ginger; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gary and Carole Churchill; a sister-in-law, Dawn Martin and her husband, Tony; a brother-in-law, Doug Churchill and his wife, Heidi; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Garry was predeceased by his father, Robert I. Nelson, I; his mother, Joanne B. Nelson and his brother, Robert I. Nelson II.

A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at the Aroostook Shrine Club, 390 Houlton Road, Presque Isle. Family friend, Pastor Rick Kavanaugh will be sharing memories of Garry’s journey at 1 p.m., with a reception and continued fellowship immediately following.

The family would like to thank Aroostook House of Comfort for the exceptional care they gave Garry and the family members during this difficult time.

Arrangements in care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at: http://www.duncan-graves.com.

Those who wish to remember Garry in a special way may make gifts in his memory payable to: Baptist Park Flight Camp 60 Park Road P.O. Box 498 Mapleton, ME 04757; Riverside Campground 190 Wesleyan Lane Blaine, ME 04734; Camp Nomacca 74 Nomacca Drive Mapleton, ME 04757; and/or Aroostook House of Comfort 18 Green Hill Road Presque Isle, ME 04769.