William Christopher Nelder

1926 – 2009

Dad and mum were my inspiration for reading and writing science fiction. Mum registered me for the Children’s science fiction book club when I was four, and dad was a scifi mag cover artist – as I mention with an illustration in the previous post.

Seems weird that last week after moving to Peebles, dad only complained of his left leg swelling.  Their carpet fitter used his van as an ambulance to take them to Hay Lodge Hospital and then a real ambulance to Borders General in Melrose. While he slipped in and out of  consciousness I read to him his favourite Omar Khayyam verses along with For A That by Robbie Burns.  Sadly, his renal cancer, which we thought was radiotreated from him last year had returned along with a minor heart attack. He died peacefully on the 8th June – two days ago.

I present the last photo to be taken of him – the day he moved in to Peebles just over a week ago. And one of him and mum taken whebefore they sparked my existence.

My mother died in 1983 but dad married again to Rosemary, who remains in Peebles and hopefully coping well and making new friends. I have a sister, Linda, living in Cheltenham, where the family were brought up after a spell in post-war Germany.

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13 Responses to “William Christopher Nelder”

  1. Matthew Sanborn Smith Says:

    That’s so sad. I’m sorry for your loss, Geoff.

  2. Grant Stone Says:

    I’m so sorry Geoff.

  3. Amy H. Sturgis Says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.

  4. Church Says:

    So sorry to hear that, Geoff.

  5. Steve Bickle Says:

    Geoff, sorry to hear of your loss, thinking of you.

  6. Marilyn Peake Says:

    No wonder you’re so talented, Geoff, with such talented and lovely parents. I’m so sad to hear about your loss. It sounds like your Dad lived a long and full life, and hopefully that will bring you comfort in the days ahead.

  7. Diane Says:

    My heartfelt sorrow to hear of your loss Geoff. You are in my thoughts.

  8. Gladys Hobson Says:

    Your dad was clearly a good artist and a brilliant dad. How wonderful to have parents who encouraged you when such a young lad. It sounds like you had a very happy childhood with a great role model. Few people can claim such a close relationship.
    Your dad achieved his final home in Peebles — thanks to you. At his age, getting him there was quite an achievement. To be able to look back with no regrets is a wonderful thing. In every respect, your closeness over the years must have given him much comfort.
    May golden memories bring peace and – eventually – joy.

  9. geoffnelder Says:

    Thanks everyone. You are so right, Gladys and I’m glad I have such wise friends as you.
    I cycled to Manchester yesterday to help daughter with baby Oliver. such a joy and I’m sure I see my dad in his eyes, especially when he perks up when seeing a shaft of sunlight breaking through the trees.

  10. Magnesium Ascorbate Says:

    reading science fiction books is the stuff that i am always into. science fiction really widens my imagination .’:

  11. 2010 in review « science42fiction Says:

    [...] William Christopher Nelder June 200910 comments Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)Ira Nayman’s books#1 Page and Top 3 Posts In 2009Reboot11,000!!! [...]

  12. Loch Lomond Log Cabins Says:

    Awesomeness…

    We must be happy for this….

  13. sms marketing Says:

    HELLO …there have a bugs when we post a comment,i think a lemonjuz bugs not ILEENS bugs

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