Nelson George Canter, 66, died Nov. 9, 2011, at his home in Oak Harbor following a lengthy illness. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on Dec. 28, 1944, where his father was deployed with the U.S. Army. The Canter family returned to the states, settling in Covington, Ky. Nelson began working as a mechanic, working on cars and also on instruments.

Nelson enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963, serving during the Vietnam War, assigned to a signal battalion in the 25th Infantry. His military service took him to Europe and Asia. He left the Army as a sergeant in 1968.

Nelson was married to Donna L. Boatman in June of 1967. They made the San Diego area home and raised their family. Nelson worked as a mechanic, eventually opening his own business, Nelson Auto Electric, and then began a 14-year career working for the Department of Defense as an instrument mechanic. He moved to Oak Harbor in 2008 to be with family. He loved fishing and working on cars.

Nelson is survived by his wife Donna of Oak Harbor; by two sons, Joseph Canter and wife Janet and Nelson G. Canter, Jr., all of San Diego; a daughter, Janet Corbin and husband Mike of Oak Harbor; three brothers and one sister; and three grandchildren, Joseph Canter, Breanna Canter and Brandon Corbin.

Nelson requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, Oak Harbor.