Dr. Owen Nelson
May 9, 1952 –
July 13, 2026
Owen A. Nelson, passed away THursday, July 13, 2026.
Owen A Nelson was born on May 9, 1951 in Springerville, AZ a son of the late Kenneth and Jackie Nelson. He grew up working on the ranch where he developed his love of being outdoors. At 14, he developed Guillain-Barre syndrome which left him paralyzed from the waist down and in a hospital 200 miles from home. He eventually recovered and went on to compete in sports at Round Valley High School in Eagar, AZ.
After graduating as valedictorian of his high school class, Owen completed bachelors and masters degrees in chemical engineering at the University of Arizona. He entered the Air Force in 1973 and was honorably discharged as a Major in 1994. Owen completed medical school at the University of California San Diego and then did his residency in orthopedic surgery in Hershey, PA. He worked tirelessly as a hip and knee specialist for more than 45 years in Arlington, TX, Uniontown, PA, and then Belfast, ME.
Owen craved adventure and traveled the world to find it.
He was a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers. He had a passion for helping others through his work as an orthopedist but also anyone he encountered. He was well-known in the community and easily recognizable at the local curling club in Belfast Maine where he last resided. The impact he had on those around him near and far is immeasurable.
Owen is survived by his wife Misuk; his children David Nelson, Tara Nelson Spence, Levi Nelson, Phoebe Shamp, Jimmy Spencer, Jackie Spencer, and Travis Spencer; and his grandchildren Leo, Miriam, Canaan, and Sadie.
Owen lost his three year battle with pancreatic cancer stage four on July 13, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to Belfast Curling Club, PO Box 281, Belfast, ME 04915.