June 29, 2026
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Hans Olaf Nilsson of Port Elgin, former general manager and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Bruce Municipal Telephone System (now Bruce Telecom), died unexpectedly, June 24, 2026, following a brief stay in the hospital, at the age of 85.
Just days before his passing, his family shared a wonderful lunch together, enjoying conversation and laughter. Those precious moments will be treasured forever.
Born Jan. 10, 1941, in Saint John, New Brunswick, he was the son of August and Elizabeth (Ogden) Nilsson. He spent his early years in Saint John before moving to Nova Scotia in 1961.
From a young age, Hans believed in the value of hard work and life-long learning, principles that shaped the way he lived his life. He was proud to have never missed a day of school or work until his mid-40s. His career began delivering groceries as a young man before he went on to work for CN Rail, Maritime Telegraph and Telephone, ROLM Operations, Glenayre Electronics, Sinclair Technologies, and ultimately, served as general manager/CEO of the BMTS (now Bruce Telecom).
In the mid-1970s, he relocated to Ontario, and in the early 1990s, his career took him to British Columbia before he eventually returned to Ontario, where he spent the past 28 years enjoying life on the shores of Lake Huron in Port Elgin. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of colleagues and friends, alike, through his integrity, leadership, and unwavering dedication.
Hans was also a licensed amateur HAM radio operator for many years and proudly held the call sign VE1KH. He often spoke of his love of hockey and was proud to tell people about his days playing Junior A.
Above all else, Hans was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved. Even as mobility challenges arose in recent years, he remained determined to attend family gatherings and create lasting memories with his loved ones.
Hans loved to travel and was fortunate to see many parts of the world through both work and leisure. He was an avid supporter of the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, and Argonauts, and he had a life-long appreciation for Buicks. He found joy in golfing, driving, boating, and spending time on the water.
A man of deep faith, Hans found great comfort in attending St. John’s Anglican Church in Port Elgin. Sunday mornings were among his favourite routines: attending church, sharing lunch with friends afterwards, checking his lottery tickets, and picking up the week’s groceries. He never passed up an opportunity to enjoy a favourite snack, a bowl of ice cream, or a glass of orange pop.
He also adored his furry companions, Allie for 14 years and, more recently, Silly for the past two years. Hans had a passion for having a beautiful lawn; he would always be outside mowing and making sure it looked just right!
Hans is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 23 years, Terri Nilsson; his daughters, Susan Nilsson-Buxton of Stratford (late Grant Buxton) and Sharon Gresswell (Curtis) of Georgetown; his cherished grandchildren, Courteney (Evren), Kyle (Shayna), Cody (Jasmina), Brett, and Kaitlyn (Sam); and his beloved great-grandchildren, Zeren, Kaia, Andrew, and Judah, along with the recent arrival of Luke Frank Gresswell, born June 28, 2026, son of Cody and Jasmina Gresswell. Another great-grandchild is expected in August.
He is also survived by his former wife, Patricia Nilsson of Stratford; his sisters-in-law, Lynne Rankin, Anna Battler, and Wendy Bolger; his brothers-in-law, Ford Battler and George Bolger; and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Nancy Battler.
Hans was predeceased by his parents, August and Elizabeth Nilsson; his brothers, Carl (Pearl) and Martin (Isabel); his sisters, Mary, Dorothy (Robert “Bob”), and Helen (Donald “Donnie”); and his beloved son-in-law, Grant Buxton. We find comfort in knowing they have been reunited.
A Service of Remembrance will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1 p.m., at St. John’s Anglican Church, Port Elgin.
Cremation has taken place, and arrangements have been entrusted to T.A. Brown Funeral Home in Port Elgin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the funeral home, to the Canadian Lung Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Memorial trees may also be planted in Hans’ memory.
Hans will be remembered for his strength, kindness, unwavering work ethic, quiet generosity, steadfast faith, and, above all, his deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the memories he created, and the love he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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