Mark Nelson

STARKS – Mark Nelson began a new journey after his death from cancer on November 20, 2024. His life was one of adventure, and not without risks: fast motorcycles, rock climbing, sailing on the high seas, including various activities involving chainsaws and power tools. Born on September 1, 1954, the son of Mary (Klizkie) and Gerry Nelson, Mark was raised in Andover, Massachusetts, and spent his summers at their family camp on Cushman Pond in Lovell, Maine. In Andover, he developed lifelong friendships with his excellent buddies Peter, Dan, Tom, Mark, and Kevin.

Mark moved to Maine in 1975 to court Claire Nelson, whom he married on May 28, 1977, in Farmington, Maine. He was actually dating her roommate when he first met Claire, but soon realized she was the only one with whom he wanted to spend his life. Together they bought an old farmhouse in Starks and spent the years making it their own. Mark and Claire were married for 47 years, years that were filled with fun and laughter until his illness set him back.

In addition to Claire, sailing was a passion for Mark, first with Irish Coffee on Great Pond and later with Sea Glass cruising the Maine coast. Mark was also a gifted woodworker known for his Windsor chairs and antique restoration. He left cabinetmaking to complete a degree in computer science and worked as a programmer for Central Maine Power Company until his retirement. His highly active left brain also nourished his music and painting skills. His family and friends will always treasure his quick-wittedness.

Besides his wife Claire, Mark leaves a son, Aaron Nelson, his wife Stephanie, and their two children Peyton and Chloe Claire; his two sisters Kris Izes and her husband Robert, and Karen Nelson; a half-brother Terry Nelson and his wife Poppy; his sisters-in-law and their husbands, Diane Nadeau and Dan Pelletier, and Claudette Nadeau and Scott Wright; and a slew of aunts, uncles and cousins. Both cats, Smooch and Lucy, will miss him, only one of whom he liked.

Family and friends are invited to visit Mark’s Book of Memory’s at http://www.wilesrc.com to leave words of encouragement, sympathies or share a story. Honored to be caring for the family of Mark G. Nelson is Wiles Remembrance Center – Farmington.

There will be no memorial service, but donations to The Hospice House in Auburn, Maine will be

most appreciated.