WALTER F. “TED” NELSON

05/11/1950 - 02/10/2023

On February 10th, one of the last true gentlemen, Walter F. “Ted” Nelson, left this world with his beloved family by his side. Ted spent his forty-year career developing award-winning communities for thousands of families. He most recently served as President of the Newland/ NASH portfolio at Brookfield Properties and was widely recognized for his leadership in the development of master-planned communities like Cinco Ranch, Elyson, Greatwood and Telfair. He was an active member of the Urban Land Institute and the West Houston Association where he served as past chairman. He was the recipient of the Association’s prestigious Impact Award for leadership in quality sustainable development, including spearheading the Association’s 2050 Plan. He was also a member of Greater Houston Builders Association and an integral part of the Association’s “Build PAC” leadership committee. In 2013, he was appointed by the Governor of Texas to the board of the Texas Real Estate Advisory Committee and continued in that capacity throughout his career.

Born on May 11, 1950, Ted grew up in Anahuac, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He did post graduate study in Accounting at the University of Houston. He served in the United States Army in the mid seventies. Ted began his career with The Woodlands Corporation and subsequently held leadership positions with American General, Terrabrook, Newland Communities and Brookfield.

Married to wife Kathryn for 47 years, family was very important to Ted. His love of family was one of the driving forces in his desire to develop and sustain vibrant communities where families could live, work, play and create lasting memories. He loved spending time with his daughters Meredith Jackson and Lauren M. Nelson and his grandson Brooks Nelson Hill.

An avid outdoorsman, Ted enjoyed fishing with his girls in Texas coastal waters and fly fishing with them in Montana rivers and the Tsiu River in Alaska. He also loved fishing and hunting with his grandson, Brooks Nelson Hill.

Ted was commonly described as a gentleman, second father, role model, true friend, and mentor who was humble and selfless. He had a way of leading without being in front, a trait which endeared him to his colleagues and fellow community leaders.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents Judge Oscar Nelson and LaVerne Nelson and younger brother Randall Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for Dr. Nizar Tannir’s research “In Memory of Ted Nelson” or to the “Ted Nelson Rising Leader Education Fund” established by the West Houston Association.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on February 23rd at River Oaks Country Club.