Obituary: Warren Allen Nelson

December 26, 1930 – July 12, 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE: Updated July 20 with information about a July 25 memorial service.

Warren Allen Nelson of Waterbury Center died on July 12, 2020. Warren was born in the Bronx, New York City, on December 26, 1930. 

Warren Nelson, in an undated photo, with his dog Maxwell. Courtesy photo.

In his younger years, Warren would come to Vermont to ski at Stowe. He would get a ski package for about $50, which included his bus fare, two nights lodging at Ye Olde England Inn (including breakfast), and ski tickets for two days. 

Having a love for the Green Mountains, Warren bought a relatively large piece of land at the end of Blush Hill Road in Waterbury some five decades ago and lived there until about 2017 when he moved to Waterbury Center. Warren really loved his land on Blush Hill. He spent years clearing trees and making beautiful rock-free fields. He also built a nice pond with views of the Worcester Range. 

Warren had a love for airplanes and owned four or five of them over his lifetime. He would often talk about the Bonanza aircraft that he owned. He would fly to consulting jobs that he had in the Midwest and fly to Florida to care for his aging parents. 

Warren loved to go out for breakfast and would frequent restaurants from Barre, Berlin, Waterbury to Stowe. He loved to go to the Wayside, the former Crust 'n Cauldron and Park Row Café, Maxi's and of course McCarthy's in Stowe. Warren would chat with all of the waitresses for miles around. Another of Warren's favorite places was the Green Mountain Coffee café at the train station in Waterbury where he would have coffee and catch up on all of the local gossip. 

If ever asked his age, Warren had the same answer for the last 30-years or so: I'm 39! That was a great answer and usually got a good laugh from those who asked.

Although Warren was a quiet man and liked to spend time alone with his dog he also enjoyed going out. He loved to spend mornings with a group of friends at the former Park Row Café for breakfast. He would often be seen out in the evening having a beer with friends at one of many local Waterbury establishments. Warren was a really good listener and wouldn't miss much in a group conversation. It was also very interesting listening to Warren talk about his past and you could tell that he was a very smart man. 

Warren never married or had a family but he loved his pets. His dog, Clover, was the love of his life and he would take her everywhere he went. Clover now has a new home in East Montpelier with a couple who have a dog-sitting business so Clover gets lots of exercise running with dog friends every day.

After the Waterbury Dog Park was built, you would see Warren and Clover there multiple times per day. The dog park was kind of a family affair for Warren. It was a great place for Clover to socialize and Warren had many friends there who would help him out looking after Clover. 

Warren lived at Berlin Health and Rehab for the last six months of his life. He spoke very highly of all of the staff there and thanks them for all they did. From the admissions team to the social workers to the nurses and aids and everybody who makes the facility work, your work was greatly appreciated. 

Warren was also a dialysis patient at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin. He wanted to send a big thank you to the entire dialysis team that helped him so much for the last five or so years of his life. 

Warren is survived by his sister Naomi McDonald, Bronx, NYC, his step-niece Michele McDonald, and his dog Clover, with her new parents in East Montpelier. 

Warren did not want a religious service but rather a celebration of his life. A celebration is planned for Saturday, July 25, at 4 p.m. at Warren's former home on Blush Hill Road. It may also be streamed online or recorded. Those wishing to attend in person are asked to wear a face mask and follow distancing guidelines. Please RSVP to Curtis Hooper for more details: hoopinvt@yahoo.com. 

To those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Warren's name, he asked that donations be made to the North Country Animal League, 16 Mountain View Meadow Road, Morrisville, VT 05661. 

Rest in peace Warren. We will miss you.