Obituary of John Walter Neilsen

JOHN WALTER NEILSEN John Walter Neilsen, of Regina SK, passed away suddenly on November 19, 2013. John was predeceased by his father, W.M. "Mac" Neilsen and father-in-law, Raymond Jean Fournier. He leaves to mourn his devoted mom, Phyllis (Kerr) Neilsen; his wife of 24 years and most trusted friend, Rosanne Fournier; sons, Jordan and Brody; nephews Robert, Dawson, Jacob and Herb, and nieces Raychel, Reagan and Leah; brother Scott and sister Leslie. John was born on March 17, 1960, and raised in Saskatoon. He moved with his family to Regina when he was 13. He was a natural and gifted athlete who participated in competitive and recreational sports. John was an ardent Steelers and Flyers fan, and a loyal member of Rider Nation. John attended Balfour Collegiate and was a member of the first graduating class of the Faculty of Physical Activity Studies at the University of Regina. He valued and retained many of the friendships he built in those years. John was a devoted husband, father and son. He and Rosanne built a life around their sons and with each other. He was a homebody who preferred the family “compound" to much engagement with the outside world. His circle of trusted friends, especially Gord, was small and closely held over three decades. John began his life career at the Paul Dojack Youth Centre while he was an undergraduate. His ties to his colleagues and his devotion to his “boys" ran deep. "Hap" had a rare gift of natural rapport with the boys he cared for and with whom he worked over his near 30-year career. He will be deeply missed by the staff and youth at the Centre. Hap leaves a legacy of relationships formed in respect, and sustained in trust and loyalty. Not known for his sartorial elegance, John took a low-key approach to life, valuing substance over form and formality. He had a quick, sometimes lethal, wit that kept his friends and family roaring with laughter. What a wonderful world he made for us. A Come and Go Celebration of Life will be held at Speers Family Centre, 2333 Cornwall Street, Regina on Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Gifts in John's memory can be made to KidSport Regina, 1870 Lorne Street, Regina, SK S4P 2L7 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 3rd Ave N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8. We wish to extend our deepest appreciation to emergency personnel who assisted at the scene. We are grateful for your thoroughness and professionalism. Remember the Legend