We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Nelson Garnet “Cowboy” Brydges on 20 April 2008 at Bluewater Health Palliative Care in Sarnia ON in his 88th year.
Nelson was born in Camlachie ON. He was a veteran of the Second World War and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers, joining the 7th Field Company in London on 30 June 1941. He did one month of training in London at Wolseley Barracks, two months in Chatham for Basic Training, and two months in Petawawa for advanced training with guns and bridges. He married his life-long wife Audrey in November and left Halifax on 6 December 1941 and arrived in England on Christmas Day. He spent the next two years in various locations receiving more training, and qualifying as a dispatch rider. At some point while in Britain, Nelson was posted to the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. He took part in the initial assault in Normandy on D-Day where his brother, Private Robert William Brydges serving with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, died two days later. Nelson continued through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was discharged at Wolseley Barracks in London ON on October 1945.
Nelson received his nickname “Cowboy” because he always wore a cowboy hat, boots and jeans – a throwback to his younger days around horses. He loved animals all his life. Nelson was a bowler and played in many leagues and was still bowling in early March. He made many friends through his bowling associations. He was a 40-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Sarnia and Wyoming ON.
Nelson’s funeral service will be held on 24 April at 11:00 AM at the Smith Funeral Home in Sarnia. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home on 23 April 2008 from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and 7:00 until 9:00 PM. Sympathy donations may be made to War Amps or the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca.
