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In Memory of a Dear Friend,
Colleague and Advocate -- Ewen Robert Nelson -- Student Fellowship
NELSON, Ewen Robert
(April 11, 1954 – January
5, 2006)
It is with great sadness that we share with you
the news of Ewen Nelson passing on January 5, 2006 at the age of 48
years. Ewen Nelson was the Manager of Information Systems for The
Steadward Centre, where he worked for over fifteen years.
Edmonton born and raised,
Ewen graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc (General) in
1978 and started an apprenticeship, embarking on a career as a chef.
Following a disabling injury, he returned to the University of Alberta
and completed a Specialization Certificate in Computing Science in 1987.
Ewen has always taken
great pride in being a positive catalyst for change towards increased
accessibility for those with disabilities. Ewen was the Vice-President
of both the Boyle Street Community League and the Inner City Youth
Development Association and helped deliver the Boyle-McCauley News. He
was also the former Chair of the City of Edmonton’s Advisory Board on
Services for Persons with Disabilities and a member of the Reasonable
Accommodation Fund and Employment Equity Discretionary Fund Committees.
Ewen was a valuable resource at the University of Alberta providing
consulting services to the Specialized Support and Disability Services
(formerly Office of Services to Students with Disabilities) and Planning
& Infrastructure. At home, he was the Chair of the Emergency Procedures
Committee for Artspace Housing Co-operative, and the President of
Supports for Artspace Independent Living, Inc.
In 2003, the Alberta
Committee of Citizens with Disabilities announced that Ewen was the
co-winner of the 2002 Council of Canadians with Disabilities Award for
Alberta. This award recognizes individuals for their “dedication and
integrity in the continuing pursuit of full participation in society by
people with disabilities.”
In his spare time, Ewen always enjoyed
good food and wine, farmer's markets, the company of friends, live music
and Edmonton's many festivals. He was an active supporter of the CKUA
Radio Network and loved spending time exploring Edmonton's river valley
and other attractions.
A Celebration of His
Life will be held in the first week of March, 2006 in Edmonton.
Ewen is survived by his
brother, Andrew Nelson; sister-in-law, Christine Nelson; his nephew,
Jason Parkinson and many special friends. He was predeceased by his
father, Thomas Robert Nelson; his mother, Jean Clyne Nelson and his
sister, Jane Clyne Nelson.
In lieu of flowers, The
Steadward Centre in collaboration with the University of Alberta and the
Faculty of Physical Education & Recreation has set up a student
fellowship in Ewen’s name. Inquiries and donations can be forwarded to
Jean Weeks, c/o The Steadward Centre:
Jean Weeks
W1-67 Van Vliet Centre
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB
T6G 2H9,
(tel) 780-492-7298
email:
jean.weeks@ualberta.ca
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