Nelson Bernard Sorem ’59 passed away peacefully at his home in Ojai surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer. Nelson was born on July 9, 1937 in Ventura to his parents Cliff and Mary Sorem. He married Mary Lou Zopfi on Feb. 22, 1975 in Ojai. Nelson grew up in the Foster Park area and later made his home in Ojai. He received his BS in mechanical engineering from Santa Clara University in 1959 and his teaching certificate in 1960 from San Jose State University. Nelson taught chemistry, physics and mathematics and coached football and basketball at Villanova Preparatory School for 12 years. He extended his teaching career for another two years at the Ojai Valley School. Many people in Ojai knew Nelson from his two years as co-owner of Papa Romano’s (now Boccali’s). In 1975 Nelson changed careers and applied his engineering skills when he joined the Senior Canyon Mutual Water Company in Ojai. He went on to become the Manager of Operations and retired in 2005 after 30 years of dedicated service. Nelson always loved travel and new adventures and took many trips with friends and family throughout the world, usually involving his three favorite hobbies: bicycles, Porsche 356s and classic English motorbikes. Through Mary Lou’s influence he became an ardent Francophile. A man of many talents and interests, he enjoyed and excelled at pottery, stonework and woodwork. Nelson is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Lou, of Ojai; his stepson, Domlin and his wife; his sister, Judith; and his brother, Joel. Nelson was also the favorite uncle to 13 nieces and nephews including Alexandra M. Riley-Sorem ’03 and Andrea E. Riley-Sorem ’95. Both his parents and his younger brother Mark Sorem ’66 precede him in death.