Nels Granewall

This elegant and gentle Swedish Canadian departed our world Tuesday, October 23, 2012. He was warmly supported through the transition by his loving wife of 43 years, Carolyn, a few intimate friends, and the compassionate nurses at Victoria Hospice. Nels and his family immigrated to Victoria from Sweden in 1951. For over 15 years, their family farm, Berryland, produced quality fruits and vegetables. Farming, however, did not provide the kind of thrill Nels experienced on an introductory visit to Victoria College. He loved the atmosphere of learning and had a passion for knowledge. When Victoria College became the University of Victoria in 1963, Nels was proud to be a member of the first graduating class. His love for academia and loyalty to UVIC, his integrity and compassion mixed with farmboy practicality proved him the ideal candidate to administer the newly established Canada Student Loan Plan in 1967. During his 33-year career, he demonstrated exceptional dedication in managing and directing student financial aid services and scholarship programs, personally touching the lives of thousands of students and enabling them to achieve their educational goals. As volunteer Chief Marshal of more than 200 Convocations, Nelss greatest joy and satisfaction was reconnecting with these students as each one prepared to cross the stage. His eventual transfer to Alumni Affairs allowed him to continue these relationships. His community service included executive roles in many areas. Rotary International (notably the Student Exchange and Ambassadorial Scholarship programs), Victoria Swedish Club Cultural Events, the UVIC Alumni Association and other organizations benefitted from his strong leadership initiatives and generosity. Of the many honours he received over the years, none touched his heart more deeply than the founding of the Nels Granewall Bursary by the UVIC Grad Class of 1974 as their graduation gift to the University. Family, friendship, home, gardening, entertaining, golfing, baking great bread and grand pastries, picking strawberries, a faithful dog, a cozy fire, British humour: these things has he loved. Nels will be lovingly remembered always by his best friend Carolyn, brothers Robert (Charlotte) and Charlie, sister Anne, mother-in-law Tippi Angell (Gerry), Joan, SuAnn, Emerald, and Meg, as well as by his many cherished friends around the world. Special thanks to loyal caregiver Dez, the amazing nurses, support staff and volunteers at Victoria Hospice, friends and relatives who came often, or from afar, to cheer him on, and especially our cousin Linda, who always helps from her heart. A Tribute to Nels will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 3:00 pm at the University Club, University of Victoria,Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, and in consideration of Nelss passionate commitment to supporting student financial aid, donations may be made to the Nels Granewall Bursary (for students who are single parents) or the Speakman-Granewall Bursary (for engineering students) at the University of Victoria, Development Office, PO Box 3060, STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 3R4 We bid farewell and Godspeed to a man who lived life to the fullest with grace and dignity right to the end.