2-Oct-1926 - 16-Jul-2024
With a mix of sadness and gratitude, the Nelson family announces the peaceful passing of Oscar Jarl on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the age of ninety-seven. Married for thirty-six happy years to Doris Milligan who predeceased him, Oscar was an incredible father to Jarlene Nelson, Kimberly (Glen) Eagleson, and Jennifer (Brad) Simmonds. He was an unforgettable ‘Bubba’ to Benjamin (Christine) Eagleson, Esther (Jordi) Eagleson, James (Lauren) Eagleson, Catherine Simmonds, Nicole (Josh) Libby, Danielle Simmonds, Thomas Simmonds, and Joanne Simmonds. And his world changed the day he was called ‘Great-Bubba’ by Adelaide and Charlee Eagleson (daughters of Ben and Christine). Oscar will be fondly remembered by his siblings Gwen (the late David) Milne, Ole (Marion), Harold (the late Gladys, the late Gwen), Myrtle (Arnot) Wiebe, Elaine (Jake) Hiebert, Sharon Lechelt, and sister-in-law, Marilyn. Predeceased by his siblings Leif (Mildred), Walter (Maxine), Lancy (Zelda), and Gordon. He will be warmly missed by his many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Oscar was born on a farm near Vesper, Saskatchewan, the second of eleven children to Walberg and Ingeborg Nelson. As with anyone from the prairies understands, part of Dad never really left the farm. He spent some time mining, then logging before heading east. He was accepted into the Toronto Police Service where he served with honour for thirty-six years.
Throughout his life and by continuous example, he taught his daughters the importance of ‘giving back’ to the community by being the consummate volunteer, for a wide variety of causes. Many were connected to the church, where he was a youth leader, elder/usher, camera/light operator, and worker on a variety of building and maintenance projects. In addition, he was a member of the Gideons and the Christian Peace Officers (police). He also built props for his daughters’ drama group, besides other requested items for schools, etc.
He kept himself busy, constantly having a project on the go. Always passionate about woodworking, the most important room in the house was his shop; also, the first place to look for him.
After Doris passed, Oscar started to go on mission trips to Mali, West Africa and Bolivia, South America with the organization Hands Across The Nations (HATN). This involved different construction projects (e.g., clinics, schools, churches, community centres). His last trip was at the age of seventy-seven.
Going through photos of him, the family were struck by how many contained a Tim Horton’s double-double and an apple fritter; when visiting him at Butternut Manor (his last address), the unspoken expectation was that one arrived with same. The family would like to thank the staff at Butternut Manor for their compassion and friendship since 2018.
Oscar was a kind, gentle, patient, loving man. He was not critical of others, always giving the benefit of the doubt. He was not rattled or phased by anything. Many people were surprised by his wicked sense of humour because one had to be quiet enough to hear him. We miss him terribly but are thankful for the knowledge that he is with his loving Heavenly Father.
Family & friends may call at TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME, 524 Davis Drive, Newmarket, 647-576-2517. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The memorial service will be in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. A private family interment will take place at Resthaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Oscar’s memory can be made to Hands Across The Nations, www.hatn.org.
Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people; praise his holy name … weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (NIV)