Nelson O. Yanick, 73 of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2008 at Altercare Nursing Facility in Big Rapids. He was born October 30, 1934 in Oakburn, Manitoba, Canada to Wasyl and Nettie (Stupniski) Yanick. Nelson came to the Detroit area in 1954 and began his apprenticeship training in the Tool & Die industry. He owned and operated Tool & Die shops (Astro-Auto Tool & Eng.) in Detroit and Big Rapids, retiring in 1989. Nelson was instrumental in beginning and sponsoring the first youth hockey league in Big Rapids. In 1955 he married Dolores Kluisza. She preceded him in death in 1998. In 2004 he married Phyllis Comer, and they made their home in Grant Center. Nelson is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Grant Center; Sons, Nelson Jr. (Karen) of Brighton, Jeffrey of Stanwood, Nick (Jennifer) of LaGrangeville, New York. Three stepdaughters, Cami (Rusty) Hinkle of Benton, Arkansas, Danette (Jim) Doyle of Stanwood, Beth (Chad) Waldo of Stanwood; Three sisters, 12 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 7 brothers and sisters. Funeral services will take place 6:30 p.m Wednesday, July 23 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Father Lam T. Le officiating. The family will greet friends on Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. until services at 6:30 p.m. Memorial contributions in Nelson's name may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.