This is reprinted from another forum:
DON NELSON - Sad News

This is my first post here and it is the most difficult one I've ever written. This morning I received a PM from Don Nelson's daughter, Holly. Her Dad passed away last night, June 7, 2004. His doctor believes it was a heart attack.

Don and I were engaged in a lengthy P.M discussion last night about swords. It was a final P.M. that he had not completed that I received from Holly this morning with her note attached. In it, she to wished let the others on SFI know, such as Keith Larman, Angus Trim, and Rick Barret.

What astounds me is that he must have been in extreme discomfort last night and yet he still took the time to visit with me and share his love of swords. That gesture speaks volumes about this man. I was only just getting to know him, but I was struck by his warmth, openess and willingness to give of his time and knowledge, especially to someone as new as me to this hobby.

I am saddened to lose a new friend. Don and I are close in age and both have daughters the same age that we share our own hobbies and passions.

My thoughts and sympathy go out to Holly and her family. This is a great loss.

Kevin Jacques


I am floored- the online sword community has lost one of it's leading lights and best friends- Don, wherever you are, you will be missed terribly. We need to put together a fund or memorial for those he leaves behind- I can't find his address at the moment- perhaps someone can post it for those that wish to send condolences?

I am devastated by this news- Don was a great guy, a great and knowledgable collecter, and one of the best friends taht I have met online. I'm looking into getting that address.

Don was a great man and many will miss him, myself included. I always enjoyed his commentary and his contributions. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends in this sad time.

Truly a dark day, today.

I have his address... but I will not post it publicly unless someone from the family gives the go-ahead. He purchased my Samson leafblade a few months back. I imagine I could give the address out privately, through PMs... but then again, it would be his address and perhaps not the address his family would like items to go to. :\

I am very sorry to hear this sad news... the entire Albion family sends its deepest sympathies to Don's family... a sad day for the sword community...

Best,

Howy

Don was a great guy with a super passion for swords. He will most definately be missed. :(

Had a little discussion with some of the SFI family over this. The thought is before we possibly overwhelm the family with condolences and flowers, and such, lets find out how they would like us to deal with this.......

We're going to contact them, and we'll let you know........

Gus

I am very saddened ..... my heart goes out to Don's family & friends !

God bless, Thomas

Don was a great man, not only for his knowledge and willingness to share it, but also as a father. His way of raising his daughter will be an example for me, and will be one way of passing on his legacy.

Very sad news. Have talked to Don on many occasions. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family.




William

I am deeply saddened by news of Don's passing....I have learned a great deal over the years from reading his thoughtful posts and had been in contact with him myself via PM just days ago. My heartfelt condolences to his family and close friends.. As others have said far more elequently than I, he will be missed.

James

Just a couple of days ago, I had a PM exchange with Don in which he enthusiastically detailed all of the plans he had for getting back into leather work -- scabbards, belts, and such, many designed with his daughter.
And now this.
Don will be missed.

I don't post on SFI much, and here even less, but I always attentively read posts, and have always treasured Don's cool reasoning and patience. I much regret now my lack of communication, for I have missed many possible conversations with me involved, with a great man. I can't imagine what his family is going through. He will be deeply missed.

I too send my condolences to the Nelson family.

With best regards,
Ron

My condolences to the Nelson family. While I had never met Don, I felt as though I knew him from his level headed and knowledgeable posts. I feel as though I have lost a mentor. I will certainly keep the Nelson family in my prayers. :cry:

I've said it before on other forums, but I want to say again how much Don helped to make such communities into families by his participation. I hope that will be his legacy to the sword community.

r

Sad news indeed.

My thoughts goes out to his family.
Considering this is a man i never met in real life, it speaks someting about his caracter that
i am really constraining myself as not to cry.
(The only direct contact i had with him was thru PM´s.)

He will be missed.

My heart goes out to his family at this time. Like most of us, I feel I got to know Don as a friend through his frequent postings on this and the SFI forums. His enthusiasm, his willingness to share what he knew , and his sheer passion for life greatly enriched these forums. His voice, now stilled, is a loss to us all.

Farewell, Don.

Adrian has set up a Don Nelson Memorial Fund, and SFI is collecting letters to present to the Nelson family. http://swordforum.com/forums/donnelson.php

I just learned about Don's death, and learned a little more about him. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. The sword community has lost a great advocate and enthusiast.