Obituary of Nelson Mercer

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Nelson Wilfred Mercer, age 73, which occurred at his home with family by his side, on Saturday, February 17, 2024. He was born in Southfield, NB, on March 7, 1950, a son of the late Charles & Jannie (Mercer) Mercer.

Nelson is survived by his children: Randal Mercer (Lisa) of Drurys Cove, NB, Janie Dysart (Scott) of Sussex Corner, Charles Mercer (Tammy) of Mt. Hebron, NB, Marcia Mercer (Richard Vail) of Apohaqui, NB, and step-daughter Dawn Wilson of Sussex, NB; grandchildren: Kiley, Gavin, Mitchell D, Dana, Tyler, James, Kayley, Keaton, Zachary, Wyatt and Mitchell V; great-grandchildren: Nathan, Blakelyn, Nolan, Emersyn, Camilla, Brynn and Charlie; sisters: Vera Dunham of Petitcodiac, NB, Ida Devine (Bernard) of Sussex Corner, NB, Patricia Grant of Norton, NB and Sheila Nodwell (Dale) of Collina, NB and brother Clayton Mercer (Muriel) of Norton, NB; along with several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Nelson was predeceased by his wife Heather; 3 brothers: Lester, Lawrence, and Victor Mercer and 3 sisters: Mary Tays, Evelyn Hayes and Angela Murphy.

Nelson was a skilled carpenter and a jack of all trades. He could build anything by just looking at a picture or repairing it if it was broken.  We always called his repairs a Nelson Mercer special.  Nelson enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, playing crib, washer toss, darts or driving around in one of Victor’s old cars. Nelson would take every opportunity to say something sarcastic or be quick witted when given the chance. Nelson especially enjoyed spending time with his children, he was proud of all of them. Nelson's children's fondest memories with their father were over the Christmas holidays.  The whole family gathered Christmas day for supper the beautifully cooked turkey and his famous (sage) stuffing. Dad being annoyed at the noise, but loving his family being together. Family and friends sitting around his home-made table, playing darts, playing baseball at the family reunions, having a few drinks, and sharing lots of stories. He would say, “alright it’s time to go” when he had enough. What meant the most to us was his teaching of everyday life. He was a great example of being responsible with the finances, not being wasteful, being committed to his spouse, his children, and projects he helped us with. We remember dad after he hurt his back, crawling on his hands and knees to the stairs to put his boots on to go to work; to provide a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food on the table.  As children we never fully understood all his sacrifices, truly a man that never gave up.  Second to none was his disciplinary actions, they were always fair but stern. He hardly ever raised his voice, nor acted out of anger. One of his famous lines was “you are grounded for a week”, when we protested, which we often did, he would respond, “do you want to make it two”? Lord knows in today’s world; we could use more like him. He was a constant, steady and calm leader for his family and he will be deeply missed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherwood's Funeral Home and Life Tribute Centre (506-839-2156) 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB. In keeping with Nelson’s wishes the visitation will be held at his home (154 Route 865, Norton) on Tuesday February 20 from 3:00 to 8:00pm and Wednesday, February 21 from 3:00 to 8:00pm. The funeral will be held at Sherwood’s Funeral Home Chapel, at 11:00am on Thursday, February 22, 2024. The burial will take place at a later date at Riverbank Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Nelson may be made to S.O.S (Strays of Sussex), Sussex Extra Mural Program or to the memorial of the donor’s choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through SherwoodsFuneralHome.com.