Phillip Alan Nelson

Phil was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois to the late Dorothy and Earl Nelson. He grew up with his sister, Nance, in the southern suburbs of Chicago. Nance remembers Phil as a loyal and loving big brother, who sometimes intentionally took the blame for many of her antics. Growing up, his family had a pool, and Phil often hosted swim parties for his high school buddies. He enjoyed swimming and was on the swim team in high school and college. Phil met his wife, Jody, at Cornell College, where he studied Economics and Business Administration. They were married July 1, 1961, the summer after he graduated. He started his long successful career working as a department manager for Sears. He moved into sales in the metals industry, and concluded his career by running his own sales rep business. He had the perfect personality for his job, with his ability to make people feel welcome with just a few words. Over time, many of his customers became good friends due to his honest and trustworthy business practices. Phil was a dedicated golfer and bridge player and was known for his good sense of humor. He was a big sports fan and he really enjoyed watching golf, and cheering for his favorite sports teams, the Bears and the Cubs. Phil and Jody lived in 6 states in their 54 years of marriage, and Phil made friends wherever he went. He always greeted others with a genuine smile and a hearty handshake; he was able to start a conversation with a complete stranger, and in short time, part as friends. Phil always had a positive attitude and an optimistic outlook on life. He passed away peacefully in Collier Hospice on January 24, 2016. Phil is survived by his three children, Elizabeth ""Beth"" (Matthew) Lewis, Karen (Jon Dinsmore) Nelson, and Michael (Susan) Nelson, his sister, Nance (Manderson), and eight grandchildren: Vincent, Hugh, Simon, Greer, Patrick, Shane, Kelly and Sidney. A celebration of Phil's life will be held Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phil's honor to: The Stroke Active Recovery Therapy program START C/O Karen Custer 622 Gardenia Court Golden Colorado 80401 or The Easter Seals Colorado Stoke Day Program 5755 West Alameda Avenue Lakewood, Colorado 80226 Please share your memories of Phil and condolences with his family by signing the guest book below.