David E. Nelson

EDWARDS, Colo. – David E. Nelson, 75, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 15, 2024 in Edwards, Colo. from a respiratory illness. A native of Portland, he attended local schools prior to graduating from Colby College. In the mid-1970s he moved to Colorado to ski, and made a career in the hospitality and facilities management industry.

David’s parents were Rev. Edward R. and Ruth Clark Nelson, long-time residents of Portland. His father was senior pastor of the Immanuel Baptist Church for many years. David’s public education in Portland occurred entirely on Stephens Avenue – at Roosevelt, Longfellow, Lincoln Junior, and Deering High (Class of 1967) schools. David was active in many high school clubs and organizations, as well as participating in the cross country, basketball, and track teams.

Growing up, David’s summer months were split between the Maine State YMCA Camp in Winthrop and his parents’ summer cottage in Ocean Park. Both were formative in his development, and he was a proud supporter of each in later years.

At Colby David continued on the track team, and enjoyed life-long friendships with fellow classmates, particularly those from his fraternity. It was there that he met the love of his life, Janet K Beals, whom he married in 1978. Both David and Janet have been loyal in their support of Colby and its alumni activities, returning for many reunions.

In Colorado, Dave worked for a number of leading hospitality firms, progressing through a variety of restaurant and hotel management positions for various companies, including Marriott, Sheraton, and Comfort Inn. Later in his career he specialized in facilities management for resort-related properties in the Vail Valley.

Retirement led Dave and Janet to wider, and warmer, climes. They enjoyed foreign travel and began “snowbirding” six months of the year at Trilogy in Peoria, Ariz. where he became active in the winter community. They continued to call Edwards their summer home, where Dave greatly enjoyed hiking, biking, and volunteering weekly at Habitat for Humanity.

Dave was a kind, gentle, and thoughtful person, who went out of his way to help others. In that way his hospitality career and volunteerism were naturals for him. He cared about people and causes, and was generous with his time and money. He loved the natural beauty and serenity of the outdoors, and found his peace and home in the mountains of Colorado. He was a quiet extrovert, who easily made, and kept, many friends for a lifetime. A cancer survivor, he appreciated and strove to add meaning to each new day.

His wife, Janet, did not survive him.

Dave is survived by his younger brother, Steve, of San Francisco and Monterey, Calif.

A celebration of life is to be held in Edwards, Colo. on June 28.