Gordon E. Nelson
July 24, 1931 - May 8, 2015

"Unfortunately I just heard on the radio station a reference to Mr Nelson as the "late" Tears came to my eyes. I will never forget my experiience singing in the choir at Denby High School. 1964-1967. Mr Nelson was an inspiration. I learned how to sing better and so much more. It was the happiest time in high school. .He recommended me for the Detroit Public Schools Honors Choir, he saw something in me I didn't realize I had..... I will never forget him..Susan Powers"

"Please find comfort in knowing that in the near future. Sickness and death will be no more. Therefore we as humans will never have to feel the sting of death anymore. Rev 21:4"

"I was so sorry to hear the news of Mr. Nelson's passing this week! His kindness and generosity was felt by many, including myself on behalf of my son, Darren. Darren was a freshman in college when he auditioned for the Detroit Concert Choir. I believe he was the youngest in the choir at that time. He was able to go to Europe for competing in the Choir of the World and they won! What an experience that will forever be in our hearts! The many beautiful and moving concerts that I attended will remain in my memory, as I looked to watch Darren the whole time! (Proud mother) Thank-you, Mr. Nelson, for all that you were and forever will be, in eternity with the One who gave you the talents and gifts that you shared. "

"Sorry for your loss. I am a former member of the Detroit Concert Choir."

"The funeral service was beautiful. My memories of Mr. Gordon (Ace) Nelson are from Denby High School and the concert choir and our amazing trip to Llangollen, Wales, England, France, with several singing engagements in magnificent settings. I come to find out at his Memorial Service that he was just getting started! I feel so lucky to have been part of that first group. When we won, in an age of no cell phones, we huddled around a telephone booth, of all things, calling our parents with the astounding news. What a ride it was, from the intense practices, to the Fair to raise money, to a plane ride across the pond, where we got to meet many new friends including families we stayed with in Wales. Today, it seems nothing for our young people to head to all parts of the globe, but it was really something unique back then. The choir he has created (and how perfect to have his daughter at his side) in his retirement is nothing less than exquisite. Listening to them and to James Moore, Jr, the soloist one could not help but get chills and teary eyed. Mr. Gordon Nelson has touched so many lives and left a beautiful legacy of choral music that will continue for generations. He is a gem."

"Thank you for making such a positive impact on our world. Your beautiful music will forever be a tribute to your artistic talents that you graciously shared with us all."

"Always a light in our lives! "

"Gordon Nelson was a wonderful and inspiring man Father, stepfather a grandfather to everybody who knew him. He kept the art of music alive not only for the older generation but for the younger generation as well. Gordon inspired my children (Rashell and Hailie )as well as my niece ( Isabella ) Gotdon explained to them the importance of music and playing an instrument In school. He was a phenomenal music director and loved by everybody. Gordon you will be greatly missed but you'll always be in our hearts "

"I always loved music and in 1963 as a sophomore at Denby High School I and several other football players took the bold step of joining the Glee Club under direction of Gordon Nelson. He was a great man and really taught us how to sing. I will always remember 'Shenandoah',the descant to "The Battle Hymn of the Republic' and many other great pieces of music. Thank you for the education and enjoyment. "

"Gordon you were my hero--spellbound by your talented conducting---awed by your special wives and daughter Chris wonderful grandchildren and friends! I am better for meeting and sharing time with you Gordon!"

"My deepest condolences to the Nelson family. I know he was dearly loved, and will be sorely missed."

"I will never forget the amazing experiences I had singing in girls' glee, choir and girls' ensemble during my Denby years (1968-1970). Mr. Nelson's love of music and enthusiasm was like a force of nature that swept us all with him, and we were able to reach amazing heights. I still have my record album and wonderful memories of the Camp Cavelle weekend, the formal concerts, and singing at graduations (hearing "When You Walk Through A Storm" still brings tears to my eyes). Many years later, I was so happy to be able to attend some Detroit Concert Choir concerts and to see that his passion for music was still as alive as ever. My condolences to Mr. Nelson's family and all those who were part of his choirs and close to him. Rest in peace, Ace. You have touched so many hearts and souls."

"Enjoyed be in Gordon "Ace" Nelsons Glee Club at Denby High School in the early 1970's. I learned so much about singing in his class. Though I wasn't in the choir I was able to go along with them on their first trip to Europe. An experience that I will always remember fondly. Just a few short years ago I was honored to take care of Gordon for a few days at St. John hospital, surprisingly he remembered who I was. You have touched a lot of people during your life and made their lives richer for knowing you. "

"There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go. Our Memories will always remain....I will never forget the trip to Wales in 1973. His talent and direction lead our young voices to become champions. He touched so many lives and gave me the gifts of confidence and pride. My heart goes out to the family and to the many voices that loved him. Rest in peace. "

"Chrissy, Lois, and family: We offer our deepest condolences on the loss of dear Gordon (father, husband, and friend to all). In his memory we will recall a loving heart, a gentle spirit, and a beautiful soul. May thoughts of all he meant to you bring comfort through the days ahead. Please know that while your heart aches, we want you to know, ours does too, for you. With sincere sympathy and much love, Eveldora Wheeler and Donald D. Seaton, III "

"For ALL of us that cannot make it to pay or respects due to time, distance or previous commitments... Here is to a great person who shaped anyone he came in contact with. From Boys Choirs, Girls Choirs, Mixed Choirs to the ensembles at Denby and motivating many to the All_City High School Honors choir we all thank you. From zero hour rehearsals, to the fantantics programs that you directed Winter and Spring Concert along withCarmina Burana, and The Messiah and an album that you created with us (i still have mine). We all thank you and are listening to you in that heavenly choir. To Ace, OZ and all the nicknames you had ..... This is for you.... Our heartfelt thanks and love. God Bless you and yours..... Alan Isaacson - Denby Class of '69"

"I learned to sing at home at Sunday School and in our church choir. I was born an alto but I believe I'll be an alto in heaven because of Mr. Nelson. He made me love my African American contralto voice at the Edwin Denby High School. I went to Europe with him in 1971 and 1973 singing in Wales and travelling on those buses. I remember we sang in San Marcos Square one evening. Our teenage choir won in different categories both times in Wales. He taught us to love the Master works and to sing in different languages too. So of course I grew to love opera and all these years later I still dream of the lovely songs that he taught me over 40 years ago. Now that he has made his transition I know that my youth is gone; however, as long as I can remember I will muse on the music that he taught me. Good Night Mr. Nelson and "Thank you" for teaching me to love my contralto voice. "

" When I was plucked from a study hall to joint Boys Glee in 1967 little did I realize the adventure I was about to embark on. Within weeks I was President of The Boys Glee Club and we were introduced to so many different types of music that to this day my listening tastes are influenced. Retreats to rehearse such works as Handels Creation or Carmina Burana followed, as well as performances with orchestras and professional soloists, a recording to give something to us to remember our efforts, and a trip to Wales to compete internationally. It all beat sitting in a study hall shooting paper wads, and it was always executed with that infectious non-stop can-do attitude that was infectious. Thanks Ace, you've always been the best."

"Dear Ace, Thanks always for all the joy, fun & love of music you gave me and the wonderful opportunity of belonging to the Denby choir and competing in Wales. Rest in peace Ace."

" When I was plucked from a study hall to joint Boys Glee in 1967 little did I realize the adventure I was about to embark on. Within weeks I was President of The Boys Glee Club and we were introduced to so many different types of music that to this day my listening tastes are influenced. Retreats to rehearse such works as Handels Creation or Carmina Burana followed, as well as performances with orchestras and professional soloists, a recording to give something to us to remember our efforts, and a trip to Wales to compete internationally. It all beat sitting in a study hall shooting paper wads, and it was always executed with that infectious non-stop can-do attitude that was infectious. Thanks Ace, you've always been the best."

"Mr Nelson was our youth choir director at Ebenezer Baptist Church. What little music I know I learned from him. We used to travel to different churches and sing. I will never forget these wonderful times of learning and serving with Mr Nelson. I remember the parties he had for us at his house. One time, on the way home from one of our appointments at a church somewhere, he even let me drive his car while the rest were in the bus. It was a 1965, without power steering! Just some random thoughts about my times with one I will always remember as a wonderful person. May the Lord bless you in these days."

"Rest in Peace. "

"I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Nelson's passing. He was our choir director at Denby High School in Detroit - for me in the early 1970's - and I've got such great memories of him. He was more than a great choir director, he was a wonderful person and teacher to many of us."

" My dear Ace--always remember those GREAT Times singing in our Denby Concert Choir in 1973 and through Europe: England, North Wales, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Munich, West Germany. May God grant you eternal rest!"

"Thank you Maestro Nelson for spreading beautiful music around the world."

"May God Bless you & keep you in his prayers"

"Dear Lois & Family, We are so very sorry for your loss,while we were with you a short time,it's with great sadness,that we are seeing you again at such a difficult time right now... We hope in time,we shall meet again under happier times...You are a very loving woman and you were a great comfort to your husband...Were sorry for your loss and may God Bless,you and your family... Praying for your you & family to find peace, With much love, Audrey"