NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Stephen Bickford Nelson, 63, of North Adams, Mass., passed unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, N.Y. He spent the morning doing what he loved - playing golf at Taconic Golf Course.



He was born in North Adams, Mass., on December 12, 1953 son of Harry Servatus Nelson Jr. and Priscilla Hope (Bickford) Nelson. He attended local schools and graduated from Drury High School as President of the class of 1972. He was recognized for his athletic promise; to this day he holds the record for the most stolen bases as a Blue Devil. Steve went on to graduate from Williams College in 1976.



Steve was employed by Crane and Company from 1980 until his retirement in 2009. At the time of his retirement, he managed Excelsior Printing Company in North Adams. Throughout his life, Steve gave back to his community. He was involved with the Northern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, Northern Berkshire United Way, Great Trails Council, North Adams Lions Club and a variety of youth organizations. Most recently he served on the board of directors for Adams Community Bank and the board of The Hardman Foundation.



Steve thoroughly enjoyed his retirement. He spent many mornings golfing Taconic with friends. If he wasn't on the golf course, he could be found at his family summer home on Long Island, Maine. He lived for his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, trusted brother, and amazing grandfather to his four grandsons.



Steve leaves behind his loving wife, Lynn Solari Nelson, whom he married July 21, 1979; his daughter, Sarah Ann Maher and her husband Samir of Lanesborough; his son, Seth Stephen Nelson and his wife Kate of East Montpelier, Vt.; four grandchildren, including Max Andrew Haskins, Owen Galeb Maher, Jack Stephen Nelson and Liam Eric Nelson; three sisters, including Harriet Teichert of Cheshire, Mass., Anne Urban of North Adams, and Linnea Nelson of Williamstown, Mass.; his father-in-law Peter Joseph Solari of North Adams, Mass.; and nieces and nephews.



He was a member of the First Congregational Church of North Adams.



Funeral notice: The funeral for Steve Nelson will be Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of North Adams. Burial will be at a later date in Cheshire cemetery.



Calling hours are Monday, June 12, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Elizabeth Freeman Center in care of the funeral home.