Vincent Nelson

Lt. Col. Vincent B. Nelson went to be with the Lord at 1:15 am on January 4th, 2017. He passed away peacefully in his sleep while at the VA hospital in Denver, CO at the age of 80. “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” By Hunter S. Thompson Vincent Nelson’s life was a ride! Full of adventure and love. Three years after being born in Porjus, Sweden, Vincent and his family traveled to the United States and settled in Escanaba, Michigan, where he and his brothers created a ton of mischief and life-long bonds. Vince went to college in Michigan and got a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master’s in Public Administration. Spending many of his summers with his brother and sister-in-law. Shortly after college, Vince joined the Air Force where he kicked butt and took names. Lt. Col. Vincent B. Nelson distinguished himself in performance of outstanding service to the United States and ended his 22 year-long Air Force Career as the Director of Operations, Headquarters Space Division. During his time in the service, his outstanding professional skill, leadership and ceaseless efforts of Colonel Nelson resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the space division. A dynamic officer who consistently demonstrated initiative, perceptiveness and a keen operational sense in everything from satellites and aircraft operations, to command, control and communications, he immeasurably aided the resolution of many problems of major importance. Even after Vince retired he continued to make incredible contributions. He worked at Falcon Air Force base and helped with countless life changing projects. In his last days, he said, “All I wanted was to do good!” And good he did! He volunteered and helped people everywhere he went. “Be aware of your surroundings”, he would always say. Wherever he saw that help was needed he jumped right in. He volunteered with the Colorado Springs Police Department while living in Colorado Springs for 23 years. Later when he moved to Vero Beach, Florida he continued to help, not only with people but protected wildlife around Florida. He was a turtle scout, on the Manatee Patrol, cared for the Pelican Refugee and cleaned up the waterways. He volunteered at the local youth center and ran the neighborhood watch. However, for Vince, nothing mattered more than his family. Vince had two sons and four daughters: Jimmy Brown, Matthew Nelson, Maria Carlota Nelson, Andrea Tabor, Michelle Jensen and Sarah Schneider. He also had many granddaughters who meant the world to him. He visited every child and every grandchild for every birthday the last several years. He attended countless soccer games and performances. He had a phrase, “You call, I haul.” Whenever one of his children called he knew what to do; whether it meant listening or hopping on a plane. He helped Matthew babysit, advised Carlota on multiple filming adventures, was a helping hand for Andrea in her business and with his granddaughters and guided Sarah in all areas of life from marriage to teaching and Ultimate Frisbee. And with his wife, Karen Nelson, he taught her to travel the world and be adventurous and that sometimes, it is okay to let go and have fun! Lt. Col. Vincent B. Nelson leaves a legacy of life-changing actions from his time in the Air Force to the love he showed his family and those he helped. If he were to ask one thing of those who read this, it would be for you to look at your surroundings and start making a difference. “Don’t put off for tomorrow, what can be done today.”