William Nelson CANNELL [4632]

  General Notes:

2018/6818 NZ BDM Cannell William Nelson 6 October 1923


Introducing Nelson Cannell
In 1931 Nelson joined the Scouting movement as a Cub Scout in Tauranga then carried on to Scouts. He helped out as a Leader before being presented with his first Warrant as Assistant Scout Leader in 1944. When Nelson moved to New Plymouth he was for some time a member of the Rover Crew and later was both Cub and Scout Leader at Huatoki. In 1953 he became Group Leader for Huatoki and held this position for many years before being appointed Assistant District Commissioner under the leadership of D.C. Eddie Collins. In 1970 Nelson took over the position of D.C. and remained at the helm for 12 years after which he stepped down but continued as A.D.C. Ngamotu and Henui Districts combined under the leadership of D.C. Bruce Bellini and Nelson as A.D.C. In 1969 Nelson was awarded the Medal of Merit; in 1974 he was awarded the Silver Tiki and in 1979 he was awarded the Silver Tui. This was the first Silver Tui to be presented to a Taranakian in 30 years.
Nelson has also been very involved with church activities; 25 years as a Sunday School teacher, more recently on the church committee. When Nelson is not Scouting or doing church work, you may find him at the Citizens Advice Bureau manning the phones, or playing bowls, both of which he greatly enjoys. If you are still unable to locate him, look towards the sea and rivers where he will probably be complaining that the snapper are not biting or the whitebait are not running.
Whatever he is doing he will be loving every minute of every day. Whether working or playing Nelson has a great appetite for life; no doubt this is why he has followed his hobbies as long as he has.
Bravo Nelson, and thank you for your years of service.


Taranaki Daily News from Mar. 12 to Mar. 13, 2018
Death Notice: William Nelson:
Died on 10 March 2018, very peacefully with his family around him at Riverside Rest Home. Aged 94 years. Dearly loved husband of Christine for 71 years. Treasured father and father-in-law of Susan and Graeme, Gillian and Brian, Shelley (dec.), Grant and Megan, Bruce and Jaydee. Loved grandad of Duncan, Stuart and Logan; Martin and Kathryn; Rebekah and Simon; Jacob, Tyler, Baxter and Piper. Loved great-grandad of 11. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Ironside Vehicle Society may be left at the service. The funeral service for Nelson is to be held at the New Plymouth Methodist Centre, Liardet Street, New Plymouth, on Wednesday 14 March 2018 at 11.00am. Private cremation.

  Other Records

• Nelson Cannell: young lad, Cir 1935.
(image courtesy C Cannell)

• NZ Electoral Rolls 1853-1981: grocer's assistant, 1946, 2 Rawhiti Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

• NZ Electoral Rolls 1853-1981: grocer's assistant, 1949, 2 Rawhiti Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

• NZ Electoral Rolls 1853-1981: grocer, 1954, 2 Rawhiti Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

• NZ Electoral Rolls 1853-1981: nurseryman, 1957, 2 Rawhiti Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

• NZ Electoral Rolls 1853-1981: traveller, 1963, 2 Rawhiti Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

• NZ Electoral Rolls 1853-1981: sales supervisor, 1969, 2 Rawhiti Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

• Medals: Scout Service Medals, Cir 1970, New Plymouth, New Zealand.
(Image courtesy C Cannell)

• NZ Electoral Rolls 1853-1981: Storeman, 1972, 2 Rawhiti Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

• NZ Electoral Rolls 1853-1981: Storeman, 1978, 2 Rawhiti Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

• Nelson Cannell: ADC of Scouts New Plymouth, Cir 1980.
(Image courtesy C Cannell)

• NZ Electoral Rolls 1853-1981: storeman, 1981, 2 Rawhiti Street, New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Nelson married Christine Heather WILKIE [4633] [MRIN: 1522], daughter of Walter George WILKIE [6257] and Evelyn Lucy SHORT [6256], on 11 Jan 1947. (Christine Heather WILKIE [4633] was born on 18 May 1925 in Balance St, , New Plymouth, NZ, died on 8 Jul 2020 in Molly Ryan, New Plymouth, NZ and was buried on 13 Jul 2020.)