Nelson Symbaluk

May 21, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Nelson “Nels” Symbaluk, passed away at age 90 on May 21st, 2023, at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital following a brief illness.
He was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2006, and brother Ed in 2017.
Nels is survived by his brother Dave and sister Pearl. He leaves behind his three children: son Robert (Julie), and daughters Ruth Thorpe (Ian), and Lynn, as well as grandchildren Nik Rosacker (Shelby), Patty Stapleton (Jeremy), Erin and Duncan MacKenzie, and great-grandchildren Sailor and Rowan Stapleton.
He also leaves his dear friend and companion Jeanette Garbutt.
Nels was born in Vegreville, Alberta, and worked in different aspects of the hardware industry for most of his career, including owning and operating his own hardware store in Edmonton with his wife Mary. After selling the hardware business he spent several years in real estate before moving to Nanaimo in 1989.
A gifted athlete in his youth, Nels played semi-pro baseball and also hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings. He was also a talented pool player! In later years he enjoyed pulling for Edmonton hockey and football teams as well as the Toronto Blue Jays.
Nels made many friends in the Nanaimo community, and especially enjoyed time at the Nanaimo Curling Club and with golfing buddies at Winchelsea View golf course.
Nels had a great sense of humour, and a kind and generous nature. He was friendly and outgoing, and always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. He loved life, and lived every day with enjoyment and appreciation. He loved his family very much, and was much loved in return. He will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to thank the Palliative Care staff at NRGH.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Sands Funeral Chapel, One Newcastle Avenue, Nanaimo, at 11am Saturday, June 24, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Nels to a charity of choice.