Barry Reed Nelson, aged 69, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024 in Westminster, Colorado.

Barry was born on May 18, 1954 to Robert and Ardyne (Pinz) Nelson in Faribault, Minnesota, the third of four children. By the grace of God, Barry came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 22. He married the love of his life, Jean (Fischer) Nelson, on September 9, 1978. They were blessed with three wonderful children.

Barry spent his career in the electrical distribution industry. He began in the warehouse at Graybar in Minneapolis and worked his way up to become Vice President of Marketing for Border States Electric. He retired in March 2013 in Fargo, North Dakota.

Barry loved the outdoors; he enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, and rock hunting. He appreciated music and played the guitar. He loved to share these things with family and friends. He realized a lifelong dream of living on a lake in northern Minnesota for thirteen years before moving to Colorado in 2018.

Barry will be remembered for his deep love for God and his family. He was fully devoted to his wife, Jean, throughout the 45 years of their marriage. He was a selfless leader who demonstrated integrity in all endeavors. Barry possessed a wonderful sense of humor that brought joy to those around him. He touched many lives with his compassion and generosity. In the face of trials, even the disease that took his life, Barry remained faithful and courageous. He will be greatly missed.

Barry is survived by his wife, Jean, his daughter Emily (Joel) Beck, his daughter Betsy (Alex) Kirk, his son Jonathan (Candace) Nelson, and ten grandchildren; as well as his siblings, Lana Teeters, and his brother Kirk (Debbie) Nelson; and siblings-in-law, Michael (Kim) Fischer, Becky Sienko, Kara Fischer, Rosanne (Mark Trainor) Fischer, Joseph Fischer, Mary (Greg) Meier, Mark (Tammy) Fischer and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Dyne Nelson; his brother Robert Nelson; his in-laws, James and Irene Fischer; and his brothers-in-law Michael Sienko and John Fischer.

A Celebration of Life for Barry will be held at 11 am on Friday, May 24, 2024 at Highland Baptist Church in Westminster, Colorado. Luncheon will follow at the church. The burial will be at 2:30 pm at Broomfield County Commons Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Barry Samaritan's Purse.