Tuesday, December 30, 2014 7:00 am

ROCHESTER - Edward H. Nelson, 81, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2014, at his home with his loving family by his side following a short period of failing health.

Born August 6, 1933, in Waterville, Maine, he was the son of the late Carroll and Annie (Ashe) Nelson.

Mr. Nelson served as an airplane mechanic in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and had later worked for many years as an engineer for Eastern Air Devices.

Edward enjoyed many hobbies and pastimes. He was a licensed HAM radio operator for over 50 years and achieved the Amateur Extra license. He also liked building and built some of his own HAM radios. Over the years he built a Model T Ford, two canoes, a tugboat, a model railroad and many model airplanes. Also, he was an avid reader of western novels.

Members of his family include his wife of 51 years Shirla Nelson, of Rochester; his son Eric Nelson and wife Debbie of Laconia; and his daughter Lisa Griffin and husband Bob of Rochester; four grandchildren Jacob and Zachary Nelson and Ashley and Matthew Griffin, his brother Carroll Nelson, Jr. of Lebanon, Maine; many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by five siblings, Richard Nelson, Maurice Nelson, Velma McKenney, Ivol Nelson, and Alice Tuttle.