Obituary of Nelson (Nels) Lilley

NELSON (NELS) LILLEY February 9th, 1921 - August 1st, 2015 Nels Lilley, late of Regina, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Saturday August 1st, 2015 at the age of 94 years. Predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Maude Lilley, his in-laws Jack and Hilda Kennedy, sister Elizabeth (Betty) Parkin, brother-in-law Percival (Percy) Parkin, sister-in-law Mary Kennedy, sister-in-law Lois Kennedy, brother-in-law Ralph Kennedy. Nels is survived by his loving and devoted wife of nearly 69 years, Bernice, son Michael Lilley, daughter Jan (Paul) Rondeau, granddaughter Michelle (Greg) Lilley all of Regina, four grandchildren Aymie, Brittany and Cory Rondeau, Justin Lilley and great-granddaughter Stephanie Pilot. He will be dearly remembered by his sisters and brothers-in-law Barbara and Bill Pooles, Bonnie and John Skitcko all of Winnipeg and brother-in-law William Kennedy of Regina, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Nels was born in Kimberly, Nottinghamshire England, where he attended school up to the age of 13. Nels joined the RAF on June 28th, 1939 at the age of 18. His strong organizational skills and ability to teach others brought him to Canada in 1941 as part of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. While stationed in Carberry Manitoba, and while on furlough to Winnipeg, his eye was captured by a beautiful petite auburn haired gal, Mary Bernice Kennedy. He was 21, she was 16. During the war Nels served in Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Belgium as a heavy motor mechanic, responsible for repair and transport of all types of military vehicles and planes. Despite being separated throughout the war, Nels returned to Canada to marry his bride on August 9, 1946, 10 days after his service release from the RAF! Nels began post-war work as a diesel mechanic in Winnipeg. He and Bernice would move to Fort William, Ontario and then onto Regina to accept a position as service manager for Allis Chalmers/Western Tractor in 1947. Two children were added to the family with Michael Drew (1947) and Jan Lou (1953). Nels and Bernice began a drapery business in 1956. B. Lilley Draperies Ltd. became a household name in Regina for custom draperies, blinds, upholstery and personalized service. This above all is what built the business which eventually expanded to several communities province wide. A commercial division C. Lloyd Sales Ltd. was added to provide services to hospitals, care homes, provincial government and private office buildings. Nels continued in his position with Western Tractor while also managing both private businesses. Nels was always very grateful for the opportunity afforded him by “his boss” George Solomon. George’s guidance, influence and encouragement allowed Nels to develop the business skills and the confidence to eventually purchase Western Tractor from George in 1973. Nels eventually sold Western Tractor and was able to “retire” at the young age of 56. In order to meet his next challenge, Nels took the Canadian Securities Course and worked for a time with McLeod, Young and Weir in Regina. Nels was fascinated with money, its origin, how it was made, grew, invested and traded. This decision gave Nels the knowledge to self-manage his retirement and finances. In 1979, he and Bernice and their young granddaughter, Michelle, whom they were raising, moved to Victoria BC. They would build their dream home on five acres, located on Forest Hill Road in Sannich. They spent 12 wonderful years in Victoria before the call of family and grandkids brought them home to Regina in 1990. In 1982, Nels and Bernice discovered wintering in Arizona. Many happy winters were spent in sunny Scottsdale and Nels, along with Bernice built lasting friendships with church friends. This legacy lives on in family as now 4 generations of aunts, cousins, grandkids etc. love visiting and spending special family times together there. Nels and Bernice moved to Queen Victoria Estates, assisted living in 2011. Bernice’s health issues and Nels repeated hospital visits necessitated a move to long term care in May 2015. They were very fortunate to be able to move to College Park II, where both their needs could be met and they could remain together. Nels health continued to deteriorate following the move in May. Nels always said he would never change a thing in his life and meeting Bernice and marrying her was the best decision he ever made. She was his “one true love” and they were inseparable. Nels was cremated Monday August 10th, 2015 and a family memorial will be held at a future date. Flowers most gratefully declined. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com