MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Basil George Nelson, champion farmer, exemplary family man and generous neighbour, was born to Winnifred and Nathaniel Nelson at Dobson in mountainous northern Manchester on August 10, 1949.

Eulogist Sheila Spence told the congregation at the Church of God of Prophecy in New Green, Manchester, that Nelson was pampered by his mother and eight sisters while growing up.

“No wonder he was always so loving and kind-hearted,” said Spence, a cousin of Nelson who died at the Mandeville Hospital on August 25.

Nelson received his formal education at Bryce Primary School but it was the farming practised by his father that drew him.

On leaving school at age 14, he went “toe to toe” with his father on the farm paying keen attention to what the elder Nelson did.

Nelson’s success in the production of Irish potatoes allowed him over time to buy “his first little pickup truck” and as his farm expanded he found the need for more vehicles.

He was among those transporting vendors to the Coronation Market in Kingston – a task he would eventually give up because of the threat of violent crime.

But as his success as farmer and businessman grew, Nelson would become a member of the Jamaica Exporting and Trading Company (JETCO).

Along the way he met and eventually married Irma from the neighbouring village of Craighead. Himself the product of a large family, Nelson fathered Basil jnr, Shauna, Norman, Oneil, Allison, Janel and Rohan.

Nelson was eulogised as a man who enjoyed food and always ensured there was plenty to eat in his house. His widow, Irma, reportedly recalled that “when he comes home from the field he would always be hungry and you better give him his meal before you tell him or ask him anything”.

Nelson was also remembered as one who “opened the way for job opportunities for many whether in his shop, his field or as drivers. He was not arrogant, he never flaunted his successes … he remained humble, calm …”

Aware that if he had been better educated he would have done some things differently, Nelson is said to have gone the “extra mile” to ensure his children were properly schooled.

“Basil, the man, was quiet, very reserved, generous, passionate, a good listener, one who could enjoy and give a good joke, just a down-to-earth person who was approachable. You only ruffled his feathers when you are lazy and tried to waste his time,” said the eulogist.