Obituaries

Condolences

• 10/01/2021

  jp rosenveldt

  The life that I have and the life that I live is because of Mr. Palmer. He saw in me something that I didn't see in myself. He encouraged me to pursue a life in entertainment and for that I am forever greatful. I think about you everyday and am thankful for your encouragement when I had zero direction in my life. Thank You Nelzo!

• 10/01/2021

  Collette Stephens Hickman

  I knew of your name as highly regarded. I don’t think I had your class. My brother may have. May you RIP. YOU WILL BE MISSED.

• 10/01/2021

  Sue Nichols

  2 files added to the album Nelson

• 10/01/2021

  Amy Palmer Johnson

  3 files added to the album Nelson

• 10/01/2021

  maria Guidubaldi Smith

  Lit a candle in memory of Ralph Nelson Palmer

• 10/01/2021

  Rodney Palmer

  I have only the fondest memories of uncle Nelson. I often think about the fun times visiting my Palmer cousins in California and even had a chance to see one of uncle Nelson‘s plays when I was a child. His laugh and smile were contagious. I’m so happy my children got to know him a little bit on the Alaska trip. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy and Family.

• 10/01/2021

  Val Shay

  Palmer got me through high school. A few friends and I were fortunate to have this man as our teacher twice a day for 3 years. He allowed us to be ourselves, challenged us to stretch ourselves, and was always friendly, caring, and supportive. These past years, as a teacher, I have tried to emulate him and embrace his unconditional love toward my own students. It was my honor to know and learn from this amazing man. Thank you for being you, Mr. Palmer!

• 10/01/2021

  Kristine Sweet

  He was my drama and speech teacher and his speech class changed my life. I was painfully shy and being in his class helped me overcome that. Some of my best high school memories were made in his classes. He will be missed. (Kristine Saccone Sweet- class of 87.

• 10/01/2021

  sarahkowalski01

  11 files added to the album Nelson

• 10/01/2021

  Cindi Standon Carlson

  This brings tears to my eyes, but yet I can't think of Mr. Palmer with out a smile on my face. For four years he was my favorite teacher. For 3 of those years I had him for two classes a day. Such a huge influence on me. His life made a difference for so many. A life well lived. Rest in peace Mr. Palmer. Peace to the hearts of all who are hurting from his loss...such a wonderful man.

• 10/01/2021

  Paul Dana

  Palmer, as he always wanted us to call him, created a safe space to work and learn for a lot of students who really needed it. Chaffey had many such spaces, but Palmer's was mine and I wouldn't have gotten through high school without him. He did it with humor, too, a key lesson that stays with me now. Thanks for everything, Palmer!

• 10/01/2021

  Donna Littleton Phares class of 68

  I'm so sad to hear of Mr Plamers passing he was and will always be one of the most loved teachers that Chaffey High School ever had. im so blessed that we had such a caring teacher who really cared for all the students and always had time to give. Rest In Peace

• 10/01/2021

  Joe Paul Latham

  Nelson was the most awesome teacher at Chaffey. Remembering after the play at Hill Auditorium ( I think it was "Helen Keller") and you were the star of the play, Linda!) We all piled in the car and went to Nelson's house for a cast and crew party. Good, Clean Fun!

• 10/01/2021

  Greg Cook

  "I know you will remember this — that nothing good ever ends. If it did, there would be no people in the world — no life at all, anywhere. And the world is full of people and full of wonderful life.” ― William Saroyan, The Human Comedy You are a beautiful soul, Nelson Palmer.

• 10/01/2021

  Steven Arnett

  You are so right Paul, when you worked on a production with him, he wanted the b eat from you and expected the best. He did it with humor and love, Steve Arnett

• 10/01/2021

  Patty Leever

  Mr. Palmer was such a wonderful man. He always had a smile and an encouraging word for every one of his students. When I talk to my kids about high school his name and the wonderful memories of drama class ALWAYS comes up. He gave us a place to be, without judgement. I will never forget you, Mr. Palmer, rest in peace.

• 10/01/2021

  J Paul Latham

  from 1967 to 1971, Nelson Palmer was the teacher you could count on for advise and direction. He was a superior stage director and very creative. I will always remember him in my life during Chaffey High School years.

• 10/01/2021

  Sue Scott Ardrey CHS '76

  He was one of the few teachers who really made a personal impact. Condolences to all who loved him.

• 10/01/2021

  Linda Thornton

  Nancy, Jeff and Linda, how sad this makes me to be posting this. As you know, I thought the world of Nelson. It is pretty impossible to say just what a positive influence he was for me. I feel so lucky to have known him and had the benefit of his kindness and the power of his guidance and leadership. I know your hearts are broken, even though we all know nobody lives forever. I just want you to know that I am doing my best to share in your feelings of loss. I've just dreaded hearing of his passing. All the best as you bid him this sad good-bye. Linda Thornton

• 10/01/2021

  Cecilia J. Caron Fitzgerald

  Lit a candle in memory of Ralph Nelson Palmer

• 10/01/2021

  Ann Putney

  My heartfelt condolences to you, Nancy, Linda and Jeffrey, and to all your family. I remember visits with our families as little kids, two productions of "Carousel" with "Palmer" and Mrs. Miller as fun times and good work. Sincerely, Ann Koessler Putney

• 10/01/2021

  Lynne Sanka Cooke

  Love that beautiful smile! It could light up a room. <3

• 10/01/2021

  Freda Hartkopf Raines

  One of Chaffey High School best teachers, he was a teacher as well as a friend to many, he always seemed to cherish his students. He will be missed

• 10/01/2021

  janet seim

  Dear Nancy, my heart broke when I saw this. I am so very, very sorry. Nelson was my drama teacher from 1967-1969. I was also his office assistant in 1969. He spread joy and enthusiasm for life every day. We learned and had fun simultaneously. He even had us take our play, "The Miracle Worker," to the California Youth Authority in Chino. That was quite an experience for us all, being cleared by guards and locked in the auditorium for rehearsals. The performance was challenging, too. Not your typical audience reactions. Nancy and Nelson always had cast parties at their house in Upland. Our 1969 Fasti (yearbook) was dedicated to Mr. Palmer. His wit, laughter, wisdom, and charm will always be with me. I feel blessed to have had him touch my life in such a profound way. Janet Geiger Seim

• 10/01/2021

  Susan Stallard

  Such fond memories of Mr Palmer! He was always so encouraging! My condolences to his family.

• 10/01/2021

  Kort Waddell

  My Drama teacher in 1977 & 78... Mr. Palmer was one of those people that enlightened everyone with his gracious smile... I was able to track him down over a year ago and talk to him by phone and thank him for those couple of years of inspiration and memories that had guided me and lasted a lifetime. Take A Bow Mr. Palmer

• 10/01/2021

  Denise Weldon

  Rip Mr Palmer. I had so many memories of my 2 yrs with you. You taught me so many things. My thoughts and or prayers are with your loved ones.

• 10/01/2021

  Cecilia Fitzgerald

  Oh my so sad we just don't live on the earth Forever! I had Mr. Palmer for speech. My dad thought it would be a good class for me and it was! I was shy and scared to do the things i really wanted to. He also directed the 3 musicals I was in at Chaffey. I have never forgotten him. I was in a poetry reading contest and almost won! I messed up my intro and came in 4th place. I remember running back and forth from musical practice and the poetry gig. I remember reading out loud a memorized Shakespeare part, and singing and acting out the parts. You were loved Mr. Palmer more then I am sure you knew by this obscure girl, A true teacher you were! May you receive your just reward in heaven I say goodbye in tears.... Class of 1977

• 10/01/2021

  Alex

  Nelson, thank you for your friendship and genuine interest in me and my family. You and Nancy treated us so sweetly from the first day we arrived in Fremont and we treasured every minute we got to spend with you. Calling in wild turkeys, sharing some strange Indian food, even breaking mussels on the beach... you celebrated and brought out the kid in each of us. I will miss the way you always listened to me talk and let me share successes at work or challenges of parenting my young family. I look forward to the day I see you again and we get to talk even more about our experiences on this Earth and the families that made this experience so exquisite. Keep smiling and and making us laugh, my friend. -Alex Johnson

• 10/01/2021

  Danny & Sandy Murtagh

  To Jeff, Caroline and the larger Palmer clan, we send our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to you during this time and mourn the loss of your family patriarch, Ralph. Godspeed. The Murtagh Family, San Bruno.

• 10/01/2021

  Sue Nichols

  Uncle Nelson always made family gatherings so much fun. There was always laughter when Uncle Nelson was around. He was one of the funniest people I have ever known. I will always remember his wonderful laugh and his kindness. Uncle Nelson will be forever in our hearts. Below is one of my favorite pictures of my Mom, Uncle Nelson, and Uncle Jim.

• 10/01/2021

  Amy Palmer Johnson

  It has been 13 days since Nelson passed away and I have been thinking of him every day since then. I wish I could be there to give love to Nancy, Linda, Jeff and the entire family. Nelson was my wonderful uncle, by father's brother. He was my children's second grandpa, and our second parents, while we lived close to him and Nancy in California. He took us in and treated us with such love. He was so fun to be around, inviting, loving, creative, and thoughtful. The kids loved him. He always had something fun to show, teach, or share, he was a true educator. There was something about him that made you want to be around him, laugh with him, and hear his stories. Something made you want to be like him. We love you Nelson.

• 10/01/2021

  Becky Butler

  What a beautiful life you two created together Nancy. Love all these pictures. It has always been clear that family came first for Nelson. His was a life well lived. I will miss his laugh and smile and genuine kindness and sense of humor. Growing up, I always looked forward to our visits to your house knowing I would get to hear Nelson and my dad laughing together like only brothers can. Such happy memories. I love how apparent it was that Nelson loved you. I miss him already. Beck Butler

• 10/01/2021

  Sandi Schureman

  Nelson will be missed. He brought a smile and a laugh to all who met him. We love you Nancy, Linda, Jeff and Families!

• 10/01/2021

  Cumberbun Guitars

  Ralph Nelson Palmer was a inspirational part of my life...play production at Chaffey High School was the only thing that kept me in school...He was my mentor he was my friend. He would drive me home every day after rehearsal and I would recite Steve Martin's album "Let's Get Small" much to his delight...he inspired me to be who I was, The class clown...his laughter was contagious, you could hear it through out the theater and especially back stage, because of him, I have gone on to write, direct, and perform in live theater, film and television, I have an Improvisational comedy troupe that performs once a month in Prescott Arizona and I thank Ralph Nelson Palmer for giving me the guts to do what I love so much. Thank you Mr. Palmer I will always love and miss you. Robert White, Class of !980

• 10/01/2021

  Judy McKelvey

  My deepest condolences to the Palmer family. Mr. Palmer is one of the most important people in my life. He gave me (and so many others) confidence, joy, and a bit of the world that otherwise might never have been found. He was an exemplary teacher, mentor, friend, and person. I have loved and sincerely appreciated him all my life since then. He often spoke of his family and his love for each of you was palpable. I thank you for sharing him with me and all his students.

• 10/01/2021

  Mary Schureman

  I sit here with a heavy heart. He is the brother who I spent my childhood with and with whom I shared many beautiful memories many of which we were able to share over the years. I am only grateful that over the past number of years Bob and I were able to make more beautiful memories with a number exciting and new experiences with Nancy and Nelson and those are the memories that we will be able to cling to. I know he will be missed by so many but I know that he made a difference in this world. I will miss his smile and I will especially miss his quirky sense of humor. My hear aches for Nancy and their family. We love you all

• 10/01/2021

  Shelly Reinschmidt

  I loved Mr Palmer. He was the first to really plant the theater seed in me. He encouraged my venturing into college productions while still in high school. He instilled in me a good work ethic, how to laugh and learn from mistakes. Also, the genuine necessity to pursue what you love with unbridled passion! As the years went by I often wondered what ever happened to him. I sounds like he pursued his life with the same love and passion as he showed to all of his,students. Here's to the lovely night we shared with a handful of other students watching William Windom in a play based on Thurber's,stories. Clowning around in summer productions, and letting us,rummage through the costume storage from time to time! See you on the other side...love you Shelly (Florence) Reinschmidt

• 10/01/2021

  Terri Gilmore Buckner

  I am on of Mr Palmer' s many drama students. I still carry the wonderful memories of those times, and his impact on us. He encouraged, and provided an expressive and happy atmosphere...we thrived. Thank you always, Mr Palmer. My thoughts are with your family.

• 10/01/2021

  Tammy June

  Lit a candle in memory of Ralph Nelson Palmer