HORTON, Nelson Morris - Nelson was born in Canso, the eighth child and fifth son of Fred and Eileen (Fanning) Horton. He lost a long battle with cancer on July 16, 2006. His adventurous nature led him to join a circus at age 14, and he toured throughout the United States for several years before returning to his roots, where he met the love of his life and true soul mate, Jean Ehler of Saint Francis Harbour, whom he married in 1970. Nelson went on to have a distinguished career in the Canadian Army, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer after 25 years service. As a soldier, Nelson exemplified leadership, resourcefulness and loyalty, to both the army and to those he led. Although his soldiers liked to call him "Teddy Bear", behind his back of course, they admired his knowledge, his leadership and his soldiering skills, knowing they could trust him to take care of them when need be. His new soldiers and students soon realized that, behind the intimidating bark, lurked a caring, thoughtful and supportive individual who would always act in their best interests and willingly go to bat for them when things got tough. After leaving the army in 1995, Nelson held a number of supervisory positions, primarily in his specialty of weapons technology, where he was widely recognized as an expert, both as a soldier and civilian supervisor; a highly skilled and knowledgeable technician, who could solve any problems related to weapons technology. The many people with whom Nelson worked and befriended over the years are well aware of his wicked sense of humour, his mastery of the one-liner and his ingenuity in creating cunning pranks, with no allowance for rank or position; a man to be reckoned with as a jokester and storyteller. Those same friends and colleagues have also seen the kind and gentle side of Nelson; a man who would help anybody in time of need and expect nothing in return. A big brother to his nephew, Paul Grant, and a great and appreciative friend of Paul's parents, Nelson's sister, Pearl and her husband Elliot. But those who knew him well realized that, without a doubt, what really mattered to Nelson in life was Jean, whom he loved and revered, his two daughters, Shannon (Michael) and Angela (Jason), and his ray of sunshine and little hero, Katie, his beloved granddaughter, who brought such great joy into his life, even as he battled brain cancer. Nelson lived for his family and loving them unconditionally, a love that was returned tenfold as his illness slowly took over his very existence. He will be sadly missed by Jean and his girls, but has left them with many wonderful memories that will keep him in their hearts and minds forever. Nelson was predeceased by his parents and older brother, Percy. He is survived by ten brothers and sisters, Pearl (Elliot), St. Francis Harbour; Fred (Vange), St. Catharines, Ont.; Tom (Lynda), Middle Musquodoboit; Lilly (John), Canso; Dave (Maria), Canso/Halifax; Helen (Thomas), Larry's River; Murial (Denis), Montreal; Stan, Truro; Max (Penny), Truro; and Bob (Cathy), Truro, as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be today from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Guysborough. A funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, in Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, St. Francis Harbour, with a reception to follow in the church hall. Cremation will take place after the funeral, no date has been set for interment. Family flowers only. In Nelson's memory, donations may be made to the Saint Francis of Assisi Cemetery Fund or a charity of your choice. On-line condolences can be forwarded to: www.haverstocks.com www.haverstocks.com