Dr. Richard Max Nelson, 84, of Denver, Colorado, United States, passed Monday, October 15, 2018. Dr. Richard was born December 24, 1933.

Rich passed away peacefully at Porter Hospice on the morning of October 15, 2018, at the age of 84. His passing occurred after battling Multiple Myeloma, complicated by an unexpected stroke. Throughout the week preceding his passing, he was surrounded by family and dear friends. This brought everyone including Rich great comfort, to be able to express their love for Rich and their gratitude that he was a part of their lives. He leaves behind a legacy of caring, kindness, and love through his service to his family, friends, and patients.

Rich practiced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for 50 years with passion, commitment, and overwhelming dedication. In other words, oral surgery was truly his life's passion. He was fully immersed in the Oral Surgery and dental community serving on many boards and committees and was a mentor to both students and practitioners. He started this commitment by being a member of Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity at the University of Iowa where he graduated in 1958 with his D.D.S. and met the love of his life Myrna Ann (Brandt) Nelson.

Rich and Myrna married in Winterset, IA on August 31, 1957. Once Rich graduated from dental school they moved to San Diego, CA where Rich was stationed as a Lt. in the US Navy and served for 2 yrs. He attended University of Kansas City School of Dentistry and Kansas City General Hospital, completing his residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He and Myrna moved to Denver, CO to raise their family and build his private practice.

Rich had an overwhelming commitment to his alma mater developing the Richard M. Nelson DDS scholarship program for the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. In 1987 he was named to the University of Iowa Foundation Board serving until 1999 whereupon he was named a Lifetime Honorary Director.

Throughout his career, Rich was involved in many organizations. He was a charter member and subsequent president of both the Colorado Society of Oral and MaxillofacialSurgeons and the Rocky Mountain Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. In addition, he was on the volunteer Staff for University of Colorado School of Dentistry department of oral and maxillofacial surgery and the director of volunteer Professional Staff for 10 years. As an ambassador for the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation, he was committed to research and education in oral surgery. He was involved with many committees of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and in 2002 received the AAOMS Presidential Achievement Award for his services to the community and Association. Early in his career, he showed his commitment to continuing education and lifelong learning becoming Board Certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1970.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Myrna Ann (Brandt) Nelson; his son and business partner of 25 years, Dr. Steven Nelson, his wife Dr. Helen Kechriotis Nelson and their kids, Brandt, Cole and Max, of Greenwood Village,CO; his daughter Dr. Wendy (Nelson) McCreight, her husband Dr. Jim McCreight and their kids, Hannah and Jackson of Steamboat Springs, CO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation website or the Oral and Maxillofacial Foundation website.

Celebration of life on Friday December 28th 5pm to 8pm at Cherry Hills Country Club