EAST DIXFIELD – Richard J. “Dick” Nelson, 61, of East Dixfield, died unexpectedly of natural causes, doing what he loved at his favorite hunting spot in Canton.

Born in Wilton, Aug. 15, 1943, a son of Manley E. and Blanche (Peavey) Nelson, he received his education in local schools and married Sandra Brann, of Wilton. He retired from IP after 43 years of service.

An outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, he was a lifetime member of the Wilton Fish and Game and was a member of the NRA. He was also a member of the Wilson Lake Country Club and the First Congregational Church, Wilton.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra B. Nelson, of East Dixfield; one son, Richard J. Nelson II and his wife, JoEllen Nelson, of Wilton; a daughter, Rebecca J. Nelson and her companion, Randy Oliver, of Farmington; a sister, Joyce Palmer and her husband, Kurt, of Norway and their sons, Jeff Palmer and Jim Palmer and his wife, Norma; and two stepgrandchildren, Joey Thibodeau and Justyn Judkins.