Christopher B. Nelson died March 28, 2024, from Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Winchester MA, June 16, 1936, the son of John and Kathleen Nelson. He grew up in Quincy and earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1958. Family friends set him up with (later Rev.) Roberta “Bobbie” Martin. She was the love of his life, and they married in June 1960.
Chris retired in 2001 after 36 years of service with the federal government, first at the Lexington Lab (HHS) and then with the newly established EPA in Washington D.C. In its Department of Radiation Programming, he was an expert in modeling radioisotope transport and estimating radiation dose and risk from exposure. His work provided an important basis for EPA’s radiation protection regulations. He was also an integral part of Bobbie’s ministry, from co-writing curricula to teaching Sunday school.
In 2001, he and Bobbie built their dream home on the Bagaduce River (Maine). Chris volunteered at the Sedgwick Elementary School, and sang with the Bagaduce Chorale, their treasurer for several years. He was active in town meetings.
Chris enjoyed sailing, kayaking, traveling, reading and keeping up with the news. He and his wife were lifelong proponents of social justice.
In 2015, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. As the disease progressed, he moved to Parker Ridge Assisted Living, where he received wonderful care and support from the staff.
Chris was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, and is survived by their daughters Heather of Surry, Jennifer of Portland ME, and Joy and her husband John Saams of Gambrills MD; his brother John Nelson (Irene) of Amherst MA, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers Peter and Mark.
A memorial service was held April 6, at the UU Church of Ellsworth ME.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: The Bagaduce Chorale (bagaducechorale.org) and Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org).