Nelson Whitney Brown of West Yarmouth, affectionately known as Nellie, passed on December 27th, after a brief illness.

Nelson was born September 29th, 1947, to Theodore (“TA”) and Edith Brown.

Nelson was beloved by everyone he knew and will live on as a legend of his time. His sometimes outwardly gruff exterior belied the sweet, soft, kind, and thoughtful man that he was to his core. His life was one well-lived, and he will never be forgotten by any of us who loved him.

He was a true “Cape Cod Salt,” spending most of his life on Baxter Avenue in West Yarmouth, overlooking the waters near Lewis Bay. He was proud to hail from “Mill Creek,” where childhood days were spent visiting his secret crab place, building turtle farms, and skating on the cranberry bogs. He loved all animals, especially elephants and his many pet cats.

At Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School as part of the Class of 1965, he was a star athlete, and the captain of several teams, excelling in hockey, soccer and baseball. “The Captain” was a name that carried through his life thereafter. He attended Nichols College briefly, when he was drafted into the US Army, serving in Fairbanks, Ak during the Vietnam era. During this time, he was married to his high school sweetheart, Valerie, and welcomed the apple of his eye, daughter Rebecca.

He then began a long career at the Cape & Vineyard Electric Company, and had many youthful adventures with friends from work, as well as those from his beloved long time hangout, the Quarterdeck Lounge in Hyannis. Over the years, he created a chosen family of dear friends at the QD and was much loved by so many there. His storytelling was renowned. His long-standing weekly golf games with his buddies were treasured.

He loved all Boston sports voraciously and was a most devoted fan of the Patriots and Red Sox.

The true love of his life was his wife, Liz. When he met her, his family life grew to include his adored children, daughter Julia and son Derek, and later, the lights of his life, his grandsons, Wyatt and River. He and Liz settled into a wonderful early retirement, enjoying winters relaxing in Florida, and time with dear friends and family. He derived much joy in watching his grandsons’ adventures, especially in sports, including championship baseball games and golf.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Elizabeth, children Rebecca Brown George and her partner Brendan Doherty, of Yarmouth Port, MA and Alameda, CA, Julia Python and her husband JohnPatrick of Glenmont, NY and West Yarmouth, MA, and Derek Loughman and his wife Jil of Vineyard Haven, MA, their children Wyatt and River Loughman, and brother Steven Brown of Fall River, MA and two nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave. South Yarmouth on Tuesday Jan. 3 from 1-3pm, followed by a memorial service at 3 pm. Burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Sheldrickwildlife.org or CCALS.org would be greatly appreciated.

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Dear Liz, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Nellie's death. I always enjoyed working with him when we worked with substation. I understood and enjoyed his demeanor and sense of humor, birds of a feather you know. My sincerest condolences to you and your entire family at this difficult time. Steve

Rest in peace my friend. It was a blessing to have met you. My condolences to Liz and family. Love Bmac

Liz and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You had a wonderful life with your husband but, gone to soon. May he Rest In Peace. God bless you. Rosemary

Liz though we have never met but known each other online for many many years. I have watched your children and grandchildren grow and seen so many happy fun times you and Nelson have had. I carry much sadness in my heart of your loss and wishing your memories to carry you through these times. Much love Brenda

Loving memories of wonderful times with friends keep us all going during these times of emotional loss. Here at the end of life's trail, our group explores different options. Perhaps it is a beginning, not an end. I love you, Cap. Maybe there is a Ritz Cafe or Quarterdeck in Heaven.