Richard C. Nelson, MD
Richard C. Nelson died August 16, 2010. He was born January 14,
1928 to Cedric H. Nelson, MD, and Maud. His grandparents were
Henry W. Nelson and Lura, a pioneer family who moved to Billings
in 1896. He was educated in the Billings school system and
graduated from Shattuck Military School in 1945. He enlisted in
the U.S. Army at age 17 and was honorably discharged as a
Sergeant in the Coast Artillery Corps. He attended college at
Oregon State University and the University of Utah courtesy of
the U.S. Army. After discharge, he attended Eastern Montana
Normal School (MSU-Billings). He then attended the University of
Nebraska for his pre-med and medical school. His residency in
Internal Medicine was served at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit,
Michigan. He practiced Internal Medicine in Billings from
1957-1995. He was a member of several medical organizations:
American Medical Association, Montana Medical Association,
American College of Physicians, and American Society of Internal
Medicine. He was Chief-of-Staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital, and
was the originator and first chairman of the Yellowstone
City-County Board of Health. He was also chairman of the Montana
Medical Association Committee on Professional Liability for 12
years, which resulted in the Montana Medical Legal Panel. He was
a dedicated Republican active in Yellowstone County, and was a
delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1968.
He was an avid fly fisherman, bird hunter, reader, antique clock
collector and recreational airplane pilot. He was a member of
King of Glory Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patty ; son Richard C.
Nelson (Mary) and their children Daniel and Matthew of Issaquah,
WA ; son Thomas A. Nelson (Kari) of Billings and their children
Duncan and Kristin of Seattle; son Christopher H. Nelson (Julia)
and their children Caroline, Sydney, and Ethan of Castle Rock,
CO ; and son Jonathan E. Nelson (Gail) and their son Stefan of
Iola, WI. He is also survived by his sister, Clara Ann Hafer
(Rex) and her family, of Billings, as well as numerous cousins,
friends and colleagues.
The family was fortunate enough to recently gather in Seattle to
celebrate the 60th wedding anniversary of Dick and Patty. Dick
was delighted to have his family together.
Dick will be remembered for his unique ability to “speak in
paragraphs” and start lively discussions. His quick wit and dry
humor were enjoyed by many. He was a wonderful husband, father
and active and loving grandfather. He always attended as many
sporting events, basketball and hockey games, orchestra
concerts, dance recitals and choir concerts as he could in
addition to playing chess and cards with the grandchildren.
The family would like to extend many thanks to the wonderful
doctors and nurses at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Rocky Mountain
Hospice, with special thanks to Dr. Charles McClave, a friend
and colleague throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Vincent’s
Healthcare Foundation, 1106 N. 30th, Billings, MT 59101; St.
John’s Lutheran Ministries, 3940 Rimrock Rd. Billings, MT 59102;
King of Glory Lutheran Church, 4125 Grand Ave. Billings, MT
59106; or the charity of one’s choice.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 21, at King of Glory Lutheran Church. Private Inurnment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Remembrances
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Patty and
Family,
It is indeed with heartfelt sympathy that this note is forwarded to
express the most sincere condolences for your loss. Dick will long be
remembered.
Dick was a long time active member of the Montana Medical Association
and a leader in the study of professional liability concerns and their
resolution. He was extremely well thought of by his physician peers and
looked to in his leadership as chair of the Association’s Committee on
Professional Liability for many, many years. Through his guidance the
Montana Medical Legal Panel was developed and enacted by Montana Statute
in 1977 and is and has been a highly successful and well accepted
operation for patients and physicians alike towards resolution of
concerns of care provided.
My wife Diana and I most appreciated our long standing friendship with
Dick and Patty over the years and will long remember the most enjoyable
trip we took one Montana summer afternoon on our boat through the Gates
of the Mountains just outside Helena. The conversation, the scenery, the
historical value and the just being there is indelible.
You are in our thoughts,
Brian
G. Brian Zins, Executive Vice President
Montana Medical Association
Helena