Nelson Michael Milligan

 Nelson Michael Milligan passed away peacefully after a short battle with pancreatic cancer at the Pasqua Hospital, in Regina, Saskatchewan on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.

 Nelson Jr. was born in Melville, Saskatchewan on June 13, 1959. His loving mother Elizabeth was also born in Melville and it was there that she met and married Nelson Sr. in 1955. Nelson Sr. had moved to Melville from Pipestone, Manitoba to begin a long and illustrious 38 year career at the Saskatchewan Power Corporation. While in Melville, Nelson Jr. was blessed to have a loving big sister Catherine and younger brother Donald at his side. After the family relocated to Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Nelson’s youngest brother Shawn was born.

 Like his father, Nelson started his many working years as a lineman with stints at Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Dowie Construction, K-Line Maintenance and Construction and Enmax Calgary. Nelson, also known as Nelly, excelled as a journeyman lineman like his father and was known to be one of the hardest working and most proficient pole climbers in the industry.

 Subsequent to his retirement, Nelson followed a lifelong passion for the outdoors and moved to Meadow Lake Provincial Park where he purchased Tawa Cabins and Outfitters with his good friends Cory and Brenda Mamer. Although owning and running a business of this nature was challenging at times, being able to hunt, fish and enjoy the great outdoors was a just reward.

 On June 7, 2014, Nelson Sr. passed away and Nelly unselfishly moved in with his mother to be her companion and caregiver after he sold his business. Nelson loved being with his mom. A typical day consisted of reading the paper, tending to the day to day chores and preparing or planning their next meal. Nelson loved food!! Our family will forever be in his debt for the loving care and companionship he provided his dear mother. In Nelson’s heart, she stood above all others.

 As a son, brother, uncle and a friend, Nelson was unparalleled. He was brutally honest at times, however his loyalty and generosity surpassed all others. There was nothing that Nelson wouldn’t do for his friends and family, however it was his random acts of kindness that really defined him as a person. He never wanted anything in return, he just wanted those in need to be helped. As an example, while shopping this past Christmas, Nelson overheard a mother and her son discussing the fact that she could not afford to buy her son a toy he wanted. The boy politely told his mother that he understood. To their surprise, Nelson approached them and offered to buy the toy for the boy. The mother and son politely declined his generosity, however Nelson insisted saying “I want to help because of the wonderful job you have done raising such a polite young man!” That is just one of numerous examples of his kindness.

 Given that Nelson did not have children of his own, Nelson loved spoiling his many nieces, nephews and family and friend’s children. He would drive many miles to support them in all capacities. He would often be heard screaming out their names and cheering them on (even though it was embarrassing at times). His nieces and nephews all greatly respected and loved him. Uncle Nelly was also famous for his wild dance routines while listening to the Rolling Stones or the song ‘Cotton Eye Joe’. Nelly was a true sportsman with a love for hockey in particular. The Boston Bruins were his favourite team and Stan Jonathan was his favourite player. He also held the self-proclaimed title of being the “handsomest man in Regina” in his early days!! Many people thought he was Regina’s version of Richard Gere.

 Over many years, Nelson loved staying and having a good time with his parents and family in Mesa, Arizona and would often volunteer to drive down south with his mom and dad. Nelson also loved spending time in the summer at the family cabin at Crooked Lake, Saskatchewan and it was there that his love for mother nature began. Nelson was truly ‘one of a kind’ who did things ‘his way’. He will be greatly missed, however his legacy will live on because of the many people he loved and loved him. Nelson was a long time child sponsor and patron of World Vision. Unsurprisingly, Nelson will be generously donating a large part of his estate to various local and national charities to help those in need. Nelson’s famous line was “Take it easy, but take it!!” In honour of our dear Nelson, please live your life to the fullest with no regrets!!

 Nelson Jr. was predeceased by his father Nelson Sr.; his sister Catherine; niece Paityn and many special aunts, uncles and cousins. He leaves to mourn his brother Donald (Terri), Dru, Levi: his brother Shawn (Whitney), Keegan, Eamon, Tatumn and Kieran: and brother-in-law Bill Shupe, Eli and Liam. He also leaves to mourn his passing many special cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbours.

 Cremation has taken place at Regina Memorial Gardens. A private family burial will be held at a later time. Thank you all for being part of Nelson’s life. Now the hard work of living without him begins. We are a strong family and we will endure in his honour. Nelly never was one to give up. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Pasqua Hospital in particular the 3A Palliative Care Unit. Those wishing to may donate to Nelly’s favourite charities World Vision, the Salvation Army, Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission, the Regina Humane Society and the Mental Health Association Regina Branch