Obituary of Eric Lipsey Nielsen

June 21, 1936 - Vermilion, Alberta

December 11, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Eric Nielsen passed away peacefully on December 11, 2022.

He spent his youth alternating between Vermilion and Calgary and then attended Crescent Heights High School in Calgary. After a few work years in Toronto he returned west and attained a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and then successfully qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1967. In 1965 he married Louise (nee Bishop) who he had met as a fellow Commerce student.

With a yen to travel beyond Canada Eric secured employment with Price Waterhouse Peat in Santiago, Chile in 1968. He and Louise traveled to Curacao to board a Dutch freighter that took them through the Panama Canal and down the western South American coast to Valparaiso, Chile where they started their South American adventure. Returning to Canada in 1970, they welcomed Tara and Stephen while living in Ottawa. Eric returned west as the Director of Finance for the City of Calgary in 1974 and welcomed Sandra to the family in 1975.

In 1976 the family travelled north where Eric became the Deputy Minister of Finance for the Government of the Northwest Territories, a career that continued until 1997. Eric was a principled man known and admired for his professional integrity. He was recognized with the FCA designation for his years of developing and upholding the accounting profession in the north. He was an early President of the NWT Institute of Chartered Accountants and was active in liaison with both the Alberta and Canadian Institutes. He took his managerial and leadership skills to the charitable sector serving as President of the Yellowknife Rotary Club and leading a Rotary exchange trip to Colombia. He had an engaging sense of humour, enjoyed by all who knew him.

He was a devoted father, always encouraging his children to do their best while providing them with many life developing opportunities. His love of travel, inquisitiveness for new adventures and insatiable curiosity immeasurably enriched their lives.

Eric enjoyed retirement, studying diligently to improve his fluency in Spanish and Italian and travelling extensively to as many countries as he could fit in.  He eventually settled in Victoria savoring the moderate climate, restaurants, new friendships and seaside walks. He especially enjoyed his time with Marye who shared his interest in travel and languages.

In recent years Eric suffered from increasingly debilitating dementia. His daughter Tara offered tireless and expert guidance and care in navigating the many challenges that ensued. The family is grateful for the devotion of the staff who offered compassionate care and assistance during the past five years at Sunrise Senior Living in Victoria and Amica Britannia in Calgary.

Eric is deeply missed by Louise: his children; Tara Rossiter (Marc), Stephen Nielsen (Lana) and Sandra Nielsen (Don Palosaari); his treasured grandchildren; Henry and Ella Rossiter, Birkley and Cohen Nielsen and his dear friend Marye. Eric is survived by his older brother Jim and his nieces, Alison, Sarah, Lisa and Kate.  He was predeceased by his younger brother Robert.

At Eric’s wishes there is no service. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed here.

If friends desire, donations in his memory may be made to the Yellowknife Community Foundation, to a fund of choice, by accessing Canada Helps on the Foundation website. https://www.ykcf.ca/home/get-involved/#donate

In living memory of Eric Nielsen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.