AMHERST – Walter R. Nelson, 82, courageously fought a battle with pancreatic cancer and passed on Jan. 24, surrounded by his loving family.

Walt was born to A. Walter Nelson and Bertha (Kleinknecht) Nelson on Oct. 6, 1941 in Oceanside, New York.

He was a graduate of George Washington Vocational and Technical High School and State University of New York Agricultural and Technical Institute at Farmingdale, NY.

He moved to Amherst in 1971 while employed by Sanders Associates (eventually BAE). He was employed by BAE for 40 years before retiring in 2001.

Walt was a member of the Amherst Volunteer Fire Department and served as a lieutenant and captain for 25 years.

Walt was an avid fisherman and enjoyed both fresh and salt water. He was also very interested in photography and he was an amazing and creative cook and baker. Chefwalt!

He was predeceased by his brother, William Nelson.

He is survived by Gail Nelson his wife of 43 years; three daughters, Christine Bakanosky, Donna Nelson, Nicole Carpentiere and her life partner Chad Plant; four grandchildren; Peter Edwards, Alexandria Edwards, Zackary Whelan and Timothy Whelan; two great-grandchildren, Connor Edwards and Jackson Edwards;

a brother, Peter Nelson and his wife Theresa Nelson; sister-in-law, Geraldine Riggio; several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 5-8 p.m. in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m., in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Amherst NH Fire Department Relief Association, PO Box 1199, Amherst, NH 03031-1199. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com