Claremont, NH – Lindsey Westney Nelson, 68, of Claremont, NH passed away quietly Friday, May 1, 2026 at Woodlawn Care Center in Newport of cancer after a final visit by his brother, Bennie Nelson and sister-in-law Becky Nelson. Lindsey was described as "one of the good guys" by many. He was predeceased by his parents, Medrick and Lona Nelson of Acworth and longtime companion, his "Sweetie," Rose Rouillard of Claremont. Growing up in a farm family, Lindsey was no stranger to hard work, haying, tapping maple trees, and tending and showing his family's string of show cattle. Beginning his working life at Bascom Maple Farms tapping maple trees as a teenager, he continued working in the woods for decades, most recently at his brother Bennie's farm in Newport, again tapping trees.
Lindsey graduated from Fall Mountain Regional High School in 1976 where he was a member of a local 4-H group and an FFA member. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at Fort Lewis in Washington State and then in Hawaii. He talked fondly of his military service, and always had a story to tell about his exploits both on and off base. He briefly also served in the U.S. Navy, and returning to the area after his service, he worked with many area companies including Melanson Roofing, Keene State College, Saint Gaudens National Historic Park, North Country Smokehouse, Coolidge Hotel and most recently at Ruger Firearms.
An avid reader all throughout his life, Lindsey leaves an extensive collection of westerns, war novels and science fiction books. He began collecting coins later in his life, and always had an interesting coin or commemorative piece to show at family gatherings and when running errands around town. His knowledge of history and interesting facts was extensive, and the family often joked that he would have done great on Jeopardy. He enjoyed night life and female companionship, and was a frequent guest at every night club in every area he inhabited. He loved summer, the beach and people watching, and spent a lot of time at Lake Sunapee and other local swimming holes. He enjoyed sitting in the sunshine with a book, and even sought sunny, quiet spaces where he could sit and read in his last weeks. Lindsey enjoyed reading history and watching history shows, and faithfully followed the Boston Red Sox. Always quick with an off-color joke or a story, Lindsey's sense of humor and quick smile will be greatly missed. He was very thoughtful and extremely personable, and everyone he knew will miss his quirky humor and meaningful conversations. He leaves his brother Bennie Nelson and his wife Becky, niece Kathryn Boutin and her husband Andrew (daughter Honora and son Frederick), nephew Samuel Nelson and his wife Melissa (son Oliver) and several cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at the VA Hospital in White River Junction, VT, Sullivan County Healthcare in Unity and Woodlawn Care Center in Newport for their excellent and compassionate care of Lindsey in his last weeks of life. The family invites anyone wishing to memorialize Lindsey's life to read a book, donate to your local library to celebrate his love of reading and knowledge or donate to the American Cancer Society. Visiting hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at Stringer Funeral Home on Broad Street in Claremont, NH with an opportunity for visitors to speak words of remembrance at 5:30 p.m. followed by military honors.
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