Page 220 - TheRussellCatalogue2016

In MemoryVAN KIRKE NELSON, M.D. 1932–2015Van Kirke Nelson, M.D., started collecting Western art and Americana around the time thathe and Helen married in the mid-1950s. Nelson’s passion for “ e West in Paint and Bronze” grew when he moved his young family to Montana in 1962. He specialized as an obstetrician-gynecologist operating out of Kalispell, delivering 7,000 babies over the next fty-two years. As his medical practice grew, Nelson parlayed his success and passion for Western art into a second business, opening Glacier Gallery in 1969.From the beginning of his life as a collector, Nelson threw his support behind the C.M. Russell art auction, serving as a consignor and exhibitor for the very rst event in 1969. e Nelsons’ support for the C.M. Russell Museum has remained constant over the past forty-six years. eir associationwith the museum evolved into a philanthropic relationship highlighted by dozens of donationsof artwork and artifacts, including works by C.M. Russell, Edward Borein, Earle Erik Heikka, and Joe DeYong. Nelson showed a special interest in the conservation of the Russell Home and Studio, and he supported the “Trails to the Future” campaign with a major gift to expand the museum in 1997.Nelson joined the National Advisory Board of the C.M. Russell Museum in 2005 and the Trigg-C.M. Russell Museum Foundation Board in 2010. e museum has bene ted immeasurably from his good governance, relentless optimism, and generous spirit.BOArd OF dirECTOrSO cersChristina Hoover-Blackwell—Chair Tom Petrie—Vice Chair Norman I. Book, Jr.—Treasurer Channing Hartelius—SecretaryDirectorsHenry Bedford Jill CrossJ. Michael Dady Philip Drescher Daniel Fiehrer James Fish Randy Foutch Gail Hayes Davis Michael Ingram David Kornder Anne Lane Martinez Joe Masterson Marshall Monroe Werner Quasebarth Robin Rasmussen John D. Rogers, Jr. David SolbergSarah Stevenson Jim Strauss Annie om Jessie Van Ness J. Steven WhislerDirectors EmeritiW. Lee Co ey William CowanIan Davidson William Healey Charles M. “Mike” Hunter Barbara Moe Robert RasmussenAcademic MemberB. Byron Price