William Nelson

William Brent Nelson, 61, devoted father and loving husband, passed away on March 31, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was born on February 17, 1952 in Flint Michigan to Roy and Beth (Wolf) Nelson.

Brent grew up in Grand Blanc and graduated from Grand Blanc High School. After graduation, he attended Northern Michigan University and Michigan State University where he received a degree in Turf Management.

Brent married Susan Marie (Finch) in 2003 and have been happily married for almost 10 years.

Brent worked at Shanty Creek Resorts in several capacities since 1987, most recently as the Vice President of Operations. He was a member of the Bellaire Village Council and served on many board of directors including Grass River Natural Area, Midwest Ski Areas Association, Michigan Golf Course Superintendents' Association and Michigan Turfgrass Foundation. He was a proud member of the NRA and Chain O'Lakes Sportsman's club.

Brent was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Beth Nelson. He is survived by his spouse Susan of Bellaire, MI; his adoring daughters Jennifer, Kelley, Allyson, Meghan, Elizabeth and Rebbecca; stepdaughter Melissa Lee and grandson Kaiden McIntosh. Also surviving are his sister Cheryl Ayotte of Waterford and her children Scott, Amy, Eric and Heather; brother Robert Nelson of Spring Hill, TN; cousin and best friend Mike Hovey and cousins Katie (Grant) Gullickson, Sue (Deb-Ann) Hovey, Pete Hovey, Aunt Eddy Hovey and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives.

Brent cherished spending time with his family, especially at his property on Lake Superior, boating on one of his vintage Chris-Crafts, cheering for Michigan State (and against U of M) and endless pancake fights with the girls.

Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Lakeview Hotel Grand Ball Room at Shanty Creek Resort. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 1 p.m. also at Shanty Creek Resort. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chain O'Lakes Sportsman's Club, PO Box 765, Bellaire MI 49615. The Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes is handling the arrangements. Please sign Brents guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com