Captain pat nelson

[Denny]

In addition to my earlier post and most recent one, I apologize for not recognizing Bob’s question and overlooking it! Bob asked, IF Captain Pat Nelson captained Oglebay Norton once now the American Integrity? YES, Captain Pat indeed was captain aboard her for quite a few seasons then once ON sold some of their ships to ASC in 2006 he then went to ASC and continued as Captain on American Integrity. Two other memories I have of him. One was in 2001, it was on 9/11 and I was at the river that day. The Oglebay Norton was downbound for the DTE plant with coal in St. Clair. His ship was flying the USA flag then at half staff and they saluted! At first I never knew why until later on. They flew the flag at half staff or mast because of the horrific events that were happening on 9/11 and the salute I’m sure was intended for all that perished and died in the attack. My second and better memory of him was in 2005 just after Christmas! I had just received my very first ever Digital Camera then. I went out to the river a few days later to try it out. The ship the Oglebay Norton was coming downbound. I caught them in St. Clair in the park and YES Captain Pat was at the wheel and helm then. Didn’t even have to wave to him or to do anything as he saw me right away and gave me a great salute! It too was a peace of mind for me as in 2005, I had lost my Dad in February and that first year without him was hard. Seeing the Oglebay Norton, getting a Salute from Captain Pat just made my day then!

[Guest]

They were brothers

[Guest]

Was he any relation to Dave Nelson who sailed as a third assistant engineer with Oglebay and ASC?

[Denny]

YES Bob, Captain Pat Nelson was indeed Captain once of the American Integrity. I know as I have memories of him back in 2006 when I first started taking Digitals. I was at the time in Marysville on the St. Clair River. My dearest and closest friends, the McNeil Family from Saginaw were all there at the time. We stood there and waited then for the American Integrity and Captain Pat. The McNeil family knew Captain Pat very well as he once captained the ship the Wolverine now Robert S. Pierson. Later, Captain Pat was captain I believe of the Indiana Harbor for a while if I’m correct? Such sad news of another Captain and also an icon passing away. Captain Pat was a great and very nice guy and a well respected captain. He was easily known for his very long beard! God Bless you Captain Pat and thanks for the many salutes and memories! Calm Seas, Fair Winds and Sunny Skies until we meet again. 3 Long and 2 Short and thanks for sharing the news about him with us Bob as he will surely and dearly be missed by many that knew him.

[Mn bob]

I see in boatnerd news that captain pat Nelson passed away, they had a short list of boats that he had sailed on. I thought he was the captain of the oglebay Norton now the American integrity. That ship was not on the list of ships he had sailed on. Just curious to see if my memory serves me right. Any info is appreciated