On Wednesday October 4th Robert (Bob) Nelson, age 86, passed away after battling Alzheimer's for many years. He was devoted to his family and always sought ways to help others in need. Bob was born and grew up in Dover, New Hampshire. His curious, ambitious mind would lead him to take on all kinds of interesting challenges and travel extensively throughout his very rich life. He was a Bates College graduate who went on to Georgetown Law and there, Washington DC became his hometown hub. In later years he retired in Brunswick, where he could enjoy boating about in the beloved Maine coast of his childhood. His varied and fascinating life grew out of his love of a challenge and an innate desire to help others. He began his career as an Attorney for the Commission on Civil rights. Next up, he joined the US Agency for International Development serving first in the African Bureau, then as Program Officer in Rio de Janiero where he lived with his family for a time. Following on that he served as the Executive Director of the Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights then Deputy Campaign Manager Muskie for President in 72'. When Perpetual Corp. made him Vice President, the family was off again to spend time in Houston, Texas but returned to Washington DC when he was needed as General Manager for the Washington Star Communications Group. In 1977 President Carter called on Bob to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve, a position he was very proud of and thoroughly enjoyed. After a time as Managing Partner at the law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, Mcpherson and Hand (many of whom were law school friends), he served as the first General Counsel of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). While at PVA, Bob was the "behind the scenes engine" driving many of the accessibility laws we take for granted today. He remained at PVA in a consulting role, continuing to contribute for many years after retirement. Bob also contributed his legal mind and exceptional management ability to many non-profit organizations and boards throughout his life. During his time in Washington DC, The National Zoo was a passionate cause for many years. Then Wolfe Neck Farm, Peary's Eagle Island, and Pine Tree legal are just a few he served in Maine in recent years. He is survived by Rita, his wife of 62 years, his daughters Karen Shernan and Robin Gay, Son in-law Mark Gay, Grandchildren Katie, Austin, Erin and Nelson, and great grandson Mason. Bob was not one for burial services and requested a life celebration instead, so it will be planned for a later date. Donations can be made in Bob's memory to: The Paralyzed Veterans of America Online at PVA's website, www.pva.org , and selecting "This is a tribute donation" and typing in Bob's name and any tribute. Donations by check may be addressed to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, and include a notation that the donation is made in memory of Bob Nelson. Also, donations can be made to your local Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill, MA. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com