Remembering Wayne Nelsen
On November 11th, 2018, Strathcona lost one of its strongest and most passionate advocates, Wayne Nelsen. Wayne was a founding member of the Strathcona BIA, and served as a dedicated director from day one. After 20 years of service to our board, his impact and legacy is still felt everyday, from the daily operations of our safety team to our strategy and advocacy work on behalf of the community at large. He ensured the principle of safety was embedded in everything we do.
You wont find a greater champion for Strathcona and its businesses reflects Sam Hamilton, SBIA member services. He always ensured the member needs were put first, ahead of all other considerations.
Wayne led by example as the owner and operator of the Patricia Hotel and the Hastings Mill Brewing Company, one of Vancouvers oldest city brewers. During his decades as a business leader in Strathcona, he watched the community shift and change many times over. His long view of a changing neighbourhood and deep appreciation for small business added up to a vision for Strathcona, one in which all businesses, residents and community members thrive together.
Wayne was a giant of Strathcona, and he expected nothing but the best from and for the community, remembers Emma Carscadden, SBIA board president. I will miss most his steadfast determination to get visible, tangible results for Strathcona.
Wayne Kent Nelsen. Business Leader. Advocate. Husband. Father. Friend. A man of and for the people. You are missed.
Visit here to read Waynes Obituary in the Province and Vancouver Sun. Wayne is predeceased by his son-in-law David and survived by his wife Janet, his children Daryl (Katie) and Lindsay and his grandchildren Allie (Nelsen) and Kennedy (Thomas).
The SBIA staff and board are considering how to memorialize Wayne and honour his legacy in public and purposeful ways. We are open to your thoughtful suggestions. Please feel free to reach out to us with your ideas.
