NELSON, Maxwell Nelson

Current Services

Private Family Visitation: Wednesday, January 14th at 12:30 PM &  Celebration of Life – for all friends and family: Afternoon of Tuesday, March 31st (details to follow)

“One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel alright . . . Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel alright.” (Bob Marley)

Maxwell Barrington Nelson of Trenton, ON, passed away on December 25th, 2025 at the age of 84, surrounded by his wife and her family, who loved him dearly.

Max was born, June of 1941, in Oracabessa, St. Mary, Jamaica to his mother, Hilda Nelson. His father was Brian Lawson. He was raised by his beloved mother, his Aunt Amy, and his Grandfather Samuel who Max knew as Grandpa Harry. A staunch believer in the importance of education, he earned his teaching certification from MICO Teachers College (1963) and a B.Sc. in Economics at The University of the West Indies (1966), both in Jamaica. He then earned multiple professional certifications (CMA, CFP) and three graduate degrees (MBA, MIR, M.Ed.) in Canada after immigrating in 1969. He built a remarkable career as an educator in the Durham Region.

His professional journey was marked not only by dedication to his students and colleagues but by extraordinary vision, courage, and sacrifice. He challenged systemic racism in the Canadian education system at significant personal cost. His brave fight resulted in a landmark case that resulted in meaningful change and opened doors for future generations of women, people of colour, and minoritized individuals. This legacy was formally recognized through the inauguration of the Maxwell B. Nelson Leadership Award at the Durham District School Board which honours educators who demonstrate the same attributes and commitments to equity and social justice that defined his life. Beyond education, Max built a thriving financial advisory practice from the ground up, achieving remarkable success over more than three decades in the industry.

Most recently, Max served as editor-at-large of Black Maple Magazine, working closely with founder and daughter Charmaine A. Nelson to build the online platform. His devotion to the English language shone through in both his book, Max Grammar, and his regular column, Max’s Grammar Corner. He also published a host of articles on topics ranging from education, to parenting, systemic racism, and social justice in his section, Max’s Pearls of Wisdom. It is fitting that the last article he authored was entitled “The True Meaning of Christmas,” in which he wrote:

“During this wonderful season, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, I invite people everywhere, regardless of their religious persuasion or faith, to think seriously about the teachings of Jesus Christ and the true messages of the season. Let us not close our eyes to the suffering of our fellow humans and may we remember that each human being is one of God’s precious and unique creations. What would change if we all looked around for opportunities to do good?”

Max was passionate about sports and music, savoured culinary experiences, cherished time spent with his family, fishing and immersed in nature. Physical activity energized him, while deep faith and spirituality grounded him. Max was joyful, playful, optimistic, and non-judgmental, with a quick wit that could brighten any room. His sense of humour did not just entertain — it illuminated the lives of everyone he touched, turning ordinary moments into cherished memories.

Max is survived by his wife (Tekla Nelson), former wife (Barbara Nelson), their three daughters (Camille, Charmaine, and Charlayne), who received his ceaseless support and insightful advice, and six grandchildren, who knew him as a fun, loving, and steadfastly supportive presence. Through them, his love of learning, wisdom, humour, and pride in his Jamaican heritage will endure.

An intimate gathering for family will be held on January 14th, with a larger celebration of Max’s life for all friends and family on the afternoon of March 31st, 2026, at De Stefano Funeral Home in Oshawa, ON (details to follow).

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Salvation Army Hurricane Melissa Response.

Consider donating in Maxwell B. Nelson’s name, in lieu of flowers, to the DDSB Chair’s Scholarship Award at https://ddsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/82797/102/false/true?school=-1&initiative=50 to fund an annual award going to a graduating student who exemplifies leadership, is representative of the diverse student population of the DDSB, and has a diverse set of accomplishments and leadership endeavors (see more at DDSB Chair’s Scholarship).

For those unable to attend the service in person, we invite you to view via Livestream by CLICKING HERE just prior to 1:30 pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.