Jul 20, 1920 - Nov 24, 2017
We are saddened to announce the passing of our mom, grandma, GG and long-time Cariboo resident, Evelyn Nelson.
Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Sven (1976); her sister, Connie Mark; and brothers, Vernon and Ken Millar.
Evelyn was born in Victoria, BC, but spent her childhood in Saskatchewan. The family moved back to BC when she was a teenager and settled in the North Delta area. Evelyn worked for a time in the shipping department of the Alaska Pine Company. She met Sven, who lived close by and would walk to work with her. They were married on September 3, 1943.
The family moved to Lone Butte in the winter of 1967. Evelyn was promised running water before she would move from Cloverdale, so Sven made sure there was a line running in from the pump house.
Evelyn is survived by her brothers, Mervyn (Mary) Millar and Norman (Lorie) Millar, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She remains in the hearts of her nine children; Ron (Louise), Laura (Gary Cardno), Dennis (Betsy Dabner), Allen (Heather), Janis (Blaine Lawlor), Ingrid (Kelly Ricketts), Roy (Audrey), Jeanette and Randy (Dianna).
She leaves behind 39 grandchildren, over 55 great grandchildren and at least 2 great-great grandchildren. Everyone in Lone Butte knew when the Nelson family reunions were held.
Not only was Evelyn a huge support to her expansive family, she was an integral part of the growth of numerous community associations.
She was a part of the Lone Butte (Horse Lake-Lone Butte) Community Association since the beginning. The land that the hall sits on was originally part of her and Sven's property. Evelyn was one of the founding members and kept active with the association for over 40 years, and as a life long honorary member, volunteered her time and experience into her early nineties.
Evelyn was also part of the Lone Butte Historical Association since it's inception in 1986. She was again a life-time honorary member who held the secretary position for an extended number of years and was a director of the organization until her early nineties when she moved to 100 Mile House.
She was also a life-time honorary member of the Creekside Seniors Centre; Evelyn was a member before it was even a society. She was a founding member of the original Cariboo Elders, again as secretary for a number of years, giving up the position in her late eighties.
She loved carpet bowling and was involved with the senior games. Evelyn continued to drive to town at least 3 times a week to attend meetings, carpet bowling and crib until she was 92.
Evelyn attended all these meetings and held the positions with integrity. It was said that she didn't want the lime-light, she stayed in the background and did her job. If baking needed to be done, she did it. The pot lucks will be missing the "cheesecakes" and the family will be missing her toll house squares. We will all miss her presence.
Everyone is welcome to share a celebration of Evelyn's life on Dec. 3, at 1:30 p.m., held in the Lone Butte Community Hall, 5994 Hwy 24. Light refreshments to follow.
Cariboo-Chilcotin Funeral Services entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family care of cariboochilcotinfuneralservice@gmail.com
Cariboo-Chilcotin Funeral Services