Nelson R. Simonds, 93, Newbury, VT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 20, 2023. Nelson was born on December 23, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey and moved to Lebanon, NH where he grew up with his younger brother Bruce Simonds. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Cleora (Cindy) Simonds, daughter Lisa Simonds Eastman, grandson Jamie Eastman, wife Hannah, grandson Dylan Eastman, wife Destiny and grandson Devin Simonds. Nelson was predeceased by his son Daniel in 2004.

Nelson served in the United States Army in Orleans, France after graduating from Lebanon High School, class of 1947. He retired from the Orange County Sheriff's Department as Captain in 1992 after many years of service and was the first inductee into the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Blackpower Hall of Fame on September 11, 2016, in recognition of, and grateful appreciation for, services rendered to preserve and enhance blackpowder sports. Nelson was dedicated to support, promote, and set the standards for future generations of blackpowder enthusiasts. Nelson enjoyed fishing in Pittsburg, NH where he was a fishing guide for Tall Timbers Resort in his early years. After that he worked selling sporting goods for Thompson & Hoage, Concord, NH. He worked as Head Cashier for the National Bank of Newbury and was Branch Manager for the Woodsville Guarantee Bank, Piermont, NH. Nelson spent many years as Chief of Police in Wells River, Deputy Fish & Game Warden and Vermont State Police Boat and Snowmobile Patrol. He lived a full life of adventure and loved his family and friends. In his later years he very much enjoyed going to the Ammonoosuc Auctions and Senior Meals in West Barnet and South Ryegate, VT and the great conversations with all the folks who were there.

Donations may be made to the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association in his name online at www.nmlra.org/donate.