November 09th, 2016

​Lawrence Patrick Nelson
Lawrence Patrick Nelson passed away unexpectedly Sunday, October 30, 2016 at his residence in Missoula. Larry was born March 26, 1966 in Deer Lodge to Constance and Lawrence Nelson. His twin sister Connie was born after midnight so they each enjoyed their own birthday. 
Larry was raised in Helmville, the youngest boy of seven brothers and seven sisters.   He enjoyed fishing and playing with his family and friends.   Many times   he would get his fishing line tangled and a brother would always be there to help him out. Quite the speedster, Larry held several track records at the Helmville grade school including the 440 yard dash for 33 years.
Larry attended Drummond High School, excelling in football and made many lasting friendships.   After graduation, he lived in   Missoula eventually attending the University of Montana.   He spent time in Spokane and enlisted in the US Navy.   After four years and a honorable discharge, Larry moved to   the Salt Lake City area.   There he met and married Stephanie Gordon and while they divorced they remained lifelong friends.
His career driving truck included employment in Montana, Utah, Wyoming,   and North Dakota and he will be missed by his co-workers. While working in the oil fields in Williston, Larry became ill and was life-flighted to Missoula.   After his hospitalization, he lived with James and Rene in Missoula for rehabilitation and successfully   moved into his own place last year.   Larry volunteered at the Montana Humane Society and most recently at the Missoula Food Bank where he was awarded “Rookie of the Year” at their annual party.   He was a hard worker, thoroughly enjoyed his time there, and met many wonderful people and great co-workers. Determined to recoup his health, Larry worked diligently and was supported by his family and friends as well as his excellent doctors and therapists.
Larry was preceded in death by his grandmother Marion Gordon, his parents Constance and Lawrence Nelson, his sister, Baby Constance, and his brother John Nelson. He is survived by his brothers; James (Rene), Mike (Laurie), Erin (BJ), Robert (Jill), and Thomas (Mary) and his sisters Pat (and Jack Moffett), Pam (and Rob Jones), Denise Nelson, Jacki Jostes, Connie (and Travis Cundy), and Corrine (and Scott Bissett).   “Uncle Larry” is also survived by 33 nieces and nephews.
Visitation was 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 3, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Helmville.   Services were held 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with Father Robertson officiating. Interment and military honors followed at the Helmville cemetery. A reception was held immediately following at the Community Center.
Larry had a special gift of keeping in touch with others and he loved visiting and family reunions.     He was a good man, friend, son, and brother. Larry’s kind heart and soul and love of family will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Missoula Food Bank. 

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