Icon is a much overused word. But not when you’re discussing someone like local dentist and ex-All Black, Keith Nelson.
I had the privilege of attending Keith’s farewell from dentistry last month. It is nearly 60 years since Keith Nelson began his dentistry training in Dunedin.
Amazingly, he combined dental school with senior rugby duties from his first year in Dunedin, 1959. He captained Otago, who famously beat the visiting Lions that year, and Keith Nelson scored a try. He played for NZ Universities, and in 1962 he made the All Blacks. He also married Aldyth Lloyd, Dunedin Festival beauty queen. Quite a year!
His old dentist friend, Dean Paddy, a long time associate at the Glen Eden practice, called him ‘a double icon’, and he was right.
Passionate and caring, this gentle giant of a man always strove to provide the best possible solutions for his patients' needs.
His first practice was in Glen Eden. The historical loyalty was on display on that farewell afternoon. A gathering of friends, family and staff celebrated Keith’s long service to his community.
Keith’s old friend Dean Paddy gave an emotional speech, extolling Keith’s virtues. The big man was embarrassed and in tears. His loving daughters, Vikki and Deanna, both dentists following in their father’s footsteps, were there at his side to comfort Keith. It was a moving sight.
Keith Nelson travelled and worked overseas in the US and England, and brought back progressive ideas for his practice. He was one of the first dentists in New Zealand to use nitrous oxide sedation, and one of the first to do dental implants.
A good example of his caring community involvement came when he introduced before and after work care for his Glen Eden patients, so workers would not have to miss work to have their teeth fixed.
A family video delighted those at the farewell. It spanned Keith’s entire career, and featured the background song, Bad to the Bone.
Daughter Deanna is my dentist, sometimes Vikki if Deanna is away, but I’m told one of Keith’s qualities has always been his gentle touch with his huge hands. The two women are rightly extremely proud of their father’s achievements over all those years.
What a legacy to leave behind. I hope it makes Keith Nelson realise that his work will carry on in the capable hands of his two dentist daughters.
Keith will now have more time to indulge his other great love - rugby football. He is the patron of the Ponsonby Club.
My last image of that farewell party as I left, is seeing Keith sitting pouring over old photos with two elderly ladies - two of his original Glen Eden staff, come to honour and celebrate with their former boss. It was a delightful scene. (JOHN ELLIOTT)