Obituary of Dennis Roger Nord

Dennis Roger Nord, 93, a lifelong Jamestown resident, passed away on August 8, 2020. Growing up, Dennis first lived on Willard Street, then after his marriage built homes for his family on Buffalo Street Ext. and Howard Avenue. He later lived on Hunt Road. Very small when born on September 1, 1926, at WCA Hospital, his birth certificate indicated that he was unnamed as "baby Nord". He attended the Jamestown Seventh-Day Adventist Church School through grade 10 and then attended Union Springs Academy in Union Springs, NY for two years. He met the former Naomi Wagner in 1942 when they were both students at the Academy. Before being drafted into the U.S. Army during WW2, he attended Atlantic Union College (in MA). After his service, the couple were married on September 3, 1950, and spent 62 happy years together before Omi passed away on November 21, 2012. He was an honorably discharged veteran, having served on Army hospital ships as a dental technician in the Pacific theatre as the war came to a close. Following his discharge, he attended Emmanuel Missionary College (Andrews University in MI). Dennis was a proud and faithful member of the Jamestown Seventh-Day Adventist Church, having had a major role in the construction of the church building itself in the mid '60s. He served on the SDA Church and SDA School Board for many years. He and his family regularly attended annual gatherings at Union Springs Academy, camping there for 11 days each summer for the old-fashioned tent retreat called Campmeeting and for Academy Reunions. Dennis became an avid fan of local Sunday morning flag football, as well as the Buffalo Bills. He enjoyed doing yard work and puttering around the house. When his children were young, the family went on a number of memorable vacation trips in their tiny Shasta camper. For many years, he was an accomplished roller skater and often could be found at local rinks up through age 80. He knew the location of every bakery in Western New York, and each one's specialties. Dennis was a regular at Davidson's Restaurant on Fridays, at Schuyler's, the Bemus Point Inn, and other local eateries. He loved to laugh and tease and tell jokes, and could often be found laughing with his friends, as well as those he'd just met. He loved practical jokes and being the brunt of them. He had a long career in pharmaceutical sales, visiting physicians' offices and hospitals throughout the Erie, Warren, Jamestown, Olean and south Buffalo areas. Prior to that he had worked at Welch's in Westfield, NY as a Quality Control chemist. Dennis is survived by his son Jim (Debbie) Nord of Sonora, CA, and his daughter Linda (Joe) Ulrich of Sugar Grove, PA. There was a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, Natalie (James) Talbot and family of Spokane WA, Kevin Nord of San Francisco CA, as well as his three great-grandchildren, Kiarra, James, and Wyatt. He is also survived by his cousins, nieces and nephews and their families. He adored his cat Puddie, who now lives with his special friend Helen. He greatly enjoyed the family Christmas Eve gatherings at his nephew Roger (and Sylvia) Erickson's along with so many happy family members while eating Swedish meatballs. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph E. and Sigrid V. Nord; his sister Ruth Nord Erickson; and his brothers, LeRoy and Vernon Nord. The family would like to thank Dr. Persia, Dr. Walter, Dr. Wuebbolt and their office staff for the compassionate treatment they provided. In addition, the family wishes to thank the staff at Heritage Park, Heritage Orchard Grove, WCA, Warren Manor, and Hospice of Warren County for their thoughtful care as his health declined in recent months. Visitation will not be scheduled and a funeral service will not be observed per Dennis's wishes. A private graveside interment prayer will be held. He would like everyone to read 1 Thes. 4:13:18. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.