My Condolences to Leeson Family, the Nisga'a Nation

My heartfelt condolences:

To Nelson’s immediate family, son’s, closest friends, colleagues (current and past), fellow Nisga’a.

I wanted to share with you how sorry I am for your loss. There are never the right words to express how deeply sad one is at a time of loss. Nelson will be truly missed by everyone who knew him no matter where they crossed his path in life. He made time for people, to hear them, to listen. I had the opportunity to sit with him during one of his stays at Mills Memorial Hospital. He shared with me stories of when he first started out with this path(referring to his political realm). He said that he felt young and unknowing at times, and that he did a lot of listening in his first years. He described the chambers of the old New Aiyansh Village Government room right down to the etched mirror the swivel chairs, red carpet and talking stick. He shook his head and said ‘all the ‘life’ that has been put into our way of life, it’s so important to continue to move forward.’ He referred further to leaders of past, reminiscing through his memories. Nelson was a true leader of our nation - setting the course and ensuring that we are all paddling in the same direction. He had time to talk no matter how busy he was; no matter the time of day; he knew that to live on was to give of himself, in this way he will live on for many years to come. Leaders like Nelson are few in life and it is with a heavy heart that I also grieve with your loss. His friendship meant the world to many. He was a kind and gentle man with a heart strong enough to carry a nation. His life, his history, his passions, dreams, his leadership, Presidency, all speak volumes of a man walking with his nation. He leaves with us the legacy of a determined journey, through a political path of many levels of government. A journey that carries passion and a love of Nisga’a, our lives, the people, our land, our culture. Nelson belongs to the Angels now, we preferred when he was here with us. I am sure he was greeted by angels of our nation, honored and congratulated of a life fully lived. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. Your loss is also my loss.

With my deepest sympathy, Maggie Patsey