Louis Joseph Nesselbeck

Louis (“Lou”) passed away peacefully at home on the morning of July 30, 2020, surrounded by loved ones after being diagnosed with cancer just three months ago. Lou was born 59 years ago on March 17, 1961 in Winnipeg, MB to Clifford and Barbara Nesselbeck (Barrett). After a family move to Nova Scotia, courtesy of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the birth of his sister, Deborah (“Debi”), the family permanently relocated to Calgary, Alberta in 1966. Lou graduated from Bishop Carroll High School before moving on to the University of Calgary, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1986. Lou then began a long working relationship with Hull Child and Family Services, starting first as a Youth Counsellor-in-training in 1986, then working part-time and relief with Hull until he took a full-time Night Counsellor position in 1995. Lou decided to go back to school and while completing his Bachelor of Education in the Master of Teaching Program, also at the U of C, he worked as a Weekend Youth Counsellor at Hull. Graduating in 2005, Lou became a teacher and spent the rest of his professional career as an elementary school teacher for the Calgary Catholic School Board, teaching for many years at Monsignor J.S. Smith School and then at St. Stephen’s, the school he had attended as Junior High school student. Working with children was not just Lou’s job, but his calling. He was adept at identifying and championing the one child (or adult) who needed him the most and helping them to turn their school experience or maybe their life, around. Although Lou described himself as a “solo flight,” his gregarious nature meant he was always surrounded by good friends and enjoyed life-long connections with dear friends George, Steve and Mike, to name but a few, and maintained close friendships with fellow teachers at both schools and at his neighborhood pub. He collected treasured friends throughout his life, much like he collected records (and concert ticket stubs) and was known for his eclectic taste in both. Lou was the eldest grandchild in his mother’s large Irish family and was known for his celebrity impressions, dry wit, fantastic recall and generosity. Occasional family trips to visit the Nesselbeck clan allowed Lou to connect with cousins on the West Coast as well. He leaves behind his parents, Barb and Cliff, his sister Debi and nephew Matthew and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, who loved and looked up to him.

Lou’s family would like to thank all of the staff at the Foothills Hospital and Rosedale Hospice for the excellent care Lou received. Because of the unusual times in which we live (and die), attendance at funeral services will be limited in accordance with provincial guidelines. A Mass will be held at St. Gerard’s Church at 11:00 a.m. on August 12, 2020. Immediately following the Mass, a reception will be held at the home of Debi Nesselbeck. 

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