SCARBOROUGH — David A. Nelson, 84, of Overset Road, Portland, died peacefully on June 24, surrounded by his loved ones, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer.

David was born June 3, 1929, in Borger, Texas, the son of Arthur W. and Ellen Nelson. David served for three years in the Air Force, after which he earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in English literature at Cornell University. He taught Renaissance drama and English literature at Bates College in Lewiston from 1960 to 1992.

Since 1992, he enjoyed a rich and fulfilling retirement pursuing his many intellectual and cultural interests and deepening his study of Buddhism. David and his wife, Dirane shared a passion for travel which took them to every continent, including the Far East and Australia last November.

David knew how to live life fully. When faced with a cancer diagnosis in May 2012, he continued to pursue his interests with passion and a positive spirit. Years of Buddhist meditation produced an inner peace which was as inspiring as his kindness and brilliant mind.

David leaves his beloved and loving wife, Dirane Kelekyan of Portland; two children from his first marriage, Stephanie Nelson of Boston, Mass., and James L. and his wife, Lisa Nelson, of Harpswell; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Jonathan and Abbey.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coastalcremationservices.com.