Former councillor nominated citizen of the month

Times Reporter

 

Strathmore Town Councillor John Rempel picked his choice for Citizen of the Month for September. Rempel nominated Roger Nelson. 

“I don’t remember when I first met Roger, but it was a long time ago. Roger is an ex-councillor, ex-school teacher, dedicated parent and a valued volunteer,” said Rempel.

“I worked with Roger on town council for seven years. Roger is without a doubt the hardest working councillor I ever worked with. Roger was a tireless motivator and a true ambassador for the Town of Strathmore.”

Rempel said it was an appreciation for what Nelson has done for the community that helped him decide on his choice for Citizen of the Month.    

Nelson was a member of council for 15 years. He was also principal of Strathmore Storefront School, Principal of Cluny Bow Valley when it was still open, and Vice-Principal of the Strathmore Youth Development Centre. Nelson was surprised when Rempel said he was being nominated at Citizen of the Month.  

“He actually came over the day before the council meeting, and had talked to me and asked me if it would be okay, and I thought it was an honour. I had served with John, I think it started with the second council I was on,” said Nelson. 

“It’s always nice to be recognized by your peers, (for) the things you’ve done.”

Nelson retired this past June and said though he may not be going to work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. anymore, he has found many things fill a day.

“Prior to retirement I had taken a three year program, and (a year ago in October) I was ordained a deacon. I spend most of my time now doing church work,” said Nelson.

“A deacon is originally a person who gets involved in service in the community. That was one of the things I was looking at because, I could continue a lot of the things I had done before inside a formal setting type of thing. There are times it’s a lot of work, it’s completely a volunteer position.”

While he spends a good portion of his time doing church work, he also does substitute teaching when needed. When he is not doing either of those, Nelson is trying to fix up his house and do all of the things he wasn’t able to do with a full time job.