Nelson Donald Labor, of Berwick, N.S., passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville, Nova Scotia, at the age of 87. Born in 1938 in Wallaceburg, Ontario, Nelson was the beloved son of the late Lillian (Clapp) Shaw and adoptive father Nelson Rondeau. He was the youngest and last surviving of four siblings: Florence Tilleman, Oscar (Bud) Labor, and Erma Mailloux.

Nelson will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia "Pat" Labor; his sons, Tim (Jose) Labor and Peter (Sandra) Labor; and his cherished grandchildren, Teigan and Sarah Labor.

As a young man, Nelson joined the Royal Canadian Armed Forces in Ontario and was posted to Greenwood Air Base in N.S. There he met and married a young teacher named Pat and pursued further education, earning degrees in Physical Education and Teaching from the University of New Brunswick and Acadia University. Throughout his teaching career, he taught at Hants West High School, West Kings High School, and, Kingston and District School.

Nelson was involved in sport most of his life, from his younger days playing lacrosse, volleyball, and basketball, to later pursuits such as golf, and curling. He spent countless hours coaching basketball, volleyball, and track and field and served as the President of the Nova Scotia Track & Field Association. He also co-founded The Sports Port – a small sporting goods store in Kingston.

He dedicated many years working with Scouts Canada as both a leader of Aylesford Scouts and Venturers, and a provincial Scouter trainer. Through scouting, he mentored many young men, fostering their personal growth through outdoor experience, community service, and several trips to Canadian Jamborees.

He cherished time spent in the woods whether it was endlessly maintaining the beloved family cottage at Aylesford Lake or taking annual fishing trips with friends and his sons—an enduring tradition that reflected his love of nature and friendship.

In retirement, Nelson and Pat embraced life to the fullest. They enjoyed many years square dancing, with Nelson growing into a well-loved square dance caller for West Kings Twirlers, Apple Valley Dancers, and Rainbow Dancers. Nelson and Pat also enjoyed travelling across North America with their camping trailer, and spending time closer to home engaging in many community activities and events. Nelson was a long-time volunteer with the Kings County Historical Society and was co-author of two books, Schools of Kings County and Churches of Kings County.

Nelson enjoyed woodworking in his cozy self-built garage shop and sharing his creations with family and friends. Along with Pat, Nelson was dedicated to spending time with his granddaughters, and will be fondly remembered for his humour, kind disposition, and epic easter egg hunts!

The family would like to say a special thank you to all the healthcare workers who provided care to Nelson as he persevered through various health challenges in recent years.

In keeping with his wishes, Nelson will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m,  on Saturday, April 11, 2026 , at Aylesford United Church Hall, 2414 Highway 1, Aylesford. Donations in memory of Nelson may be made to a charity of your choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online condolences may be made by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com