Obituary of Robert Wayne Nelson

Wayne passed away peaceful at home with his wife and daughter, with the assistance of the MAID team on the evening of Feb. 15, 2017. Born December 26, 1945 in Vernon, B.C. the second of three sons to Bob and Verna Nelson. It was here that he fell in love both with falconry and his wife of 49 years, Alora (White) at the age of 15. Together they attended UBC where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree. In 1967 they were married in Vernon and headed to Alberta where they would remain for the rest of his life. It was at the University of Calgary where he obtained his Master of Science in Biology and Doctor of Philosophy in Biology - Behavioural Ecology. His research on Peregrine Falcons started on Langara Island, Haida Gwaii in 1968 and continued for 43 years, probably one of the longest continuing studies by an individual in the bird world. Wayne taught Biology at Camrose Lutheran College from 1979 to 1982. He then worked for the Government of Alberta as a biologist for 25 years, working tirelessly to protect the environment. In retirement, his love of raptors continued through his work wing tagging turkey vultures in central Alberta for the past seven years. Wayne's life was spent as a scientist, falconer, avid reader, writer and researcher, photographer, lover of art and music, loving husband, father and Pa. Wayne is survived by his wife Alora, daughter Jennifer Willes and granddaughters Olivia and Vienna. Also survived by brothers Charles (Marlene) and Dennis (Patti) of Surrey, B.C., four nephews, one niece and their families, all of the lower mainland, B.C. Wayne has chosen to not have a public memorial. Alora and their family will join together at Langara Island this summer, where Wayne began his lifelong study of Peales peregrines in 1968. Wayne read every day of his life, and in tribute he requested that any donations be made to the Camrose Public Library, Augustana University Library science department or the University of Calgary science department. In Wayne's own words, as quoted in The Alberta Falconry Associating 2014 Journal assembled by Alex Stokes, "Some days are just spectacularly beautiful, exciting, and memorable. And many of those are falconry and wild raptor days. My years have seen a number of those days - but not enough! From my early teens onward, the pursuit of these two, closely-related, magnificent moments has guided much of my life." Special thanks to Tanya and the three doctors (of Wetaskiwin, Ponoka and Calgary) that made Wayne's passing peaceful and on his own terms. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Augustana Library, Camrose Public Library, or to the University of Calgary Library.