Flags across Guam are being flown at half staff for former Vice Speaker Ted Nelson.

Nelson passed away Monday, just three months shy of his 90th birthday.

“He was our rock. He was the one who always encouraged forgiveness, he never said anything negative about anyone else. He was always very positive and he was always encouraging us to reconcile with others,” said his granddaughter, former Senator Telena Nelson. 

She said her papa was a man who was always there for his family. A man who instilled so many life lessons.

“I think a lot of that comes from surviving the war and just the courage that he’s had and the faith in God he transmitted in us to serve. It was always a huge thing for him and especially my grandmother. It’s kind of hard just to talk about one person – it’s difficult to talk about my grandfather without talking about my grandmother because they were a pair. Everywhere Ted went Gloria was there and everywhere Gloria went Ted was there,” said Telena. 

Ted and Gloria were the perfect match serving their island and the region at a young age.

From being educators in Guam and Palau to serving in local government.

Former Speaker Judi Won Pat recalled working with Ted during her first term in the 23rd Guam Legislature.

“Ted was such a strong Democrat and a proponent of the party and what we do that when the new senators came in and decided to walk out when they took away the position of speaker from Tom Ada and Ben Pangelinan, committee on rules – Ted was very sympathetic to us and he decided to join the group…We used to say the magnificent seven plus one. So he was the plus one,” said Won Pat. 

A politician, she said, who always guided his colleagues on how best to serve the people.

“The guy would walk the talk and stand in the position of being very staunch, very supportive and passionate for what he is fighting for,” added Won Pat. 

The current Speaker Frank Blas Jr. said Ted was a man who gets things done.

“He was a very strong-willed individual who was very passionate about what he was doing. Over the years, his voice got a little softer but his heart was still very strong,” said Blas. 

Blas described Ted as a statesman who left an indelible mark.

“He never took that I was a republican and he was a democrat into any consideration during conversation. It was always about what was best for the people,” added Blas. 

Inalahan Mayor and Democratic Party of Guam Chair Anthony Chargualaf said Ted was a person always willing to lend an ear and offer support.

“We are definitely heartbroken to hear of the passing of former Vice Speaker Ted Nelson. His commitment to the people of Guam and his tireless work in public service has made a lasting impact on this community,” said Chargualaf. 

Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio said his passing is a big loss for Guam.

“He could make a very good strong case for something and wasn’t afraid of anything. He had a big heart and was very compassionate,” said Tenorio. 

Tenorio added Ted was a hard worker who established the land for the landless program making sure people had a place to build homes, while also finding ways to appropriate GovGuam funding. 

“The people of Guam should be proud of his accomplishments. We are a better place because of him,” added Tenorio. 

Ted’s work went beyond what most saw on the session floor.

He was a man of faith and respect.

“Anytime we would talk about anything he says, remember to thank god, be humble and pray, pray, pray and I would be, yes papa,” said Telena. 

His wisdom was one thing admired by many. Along with his style that made him stand out even more.

“He’s the only one that can carry Elvis into the 2000’s. He was our Elvis,” she added. 

Ted was also there cheering his granddaughter when she became senator, following in his footsteps.

And for her papa, she said, “I would tell him that I am grateful for everything that he’s taught me in life, the faith in the Lord that he has transmitted to all of us, the courage that he had and taught us to have, to do what is right and forever grateful for the selflessness that he has shown us, for his sacrifices that he has made, for his love and for his constant encouragement and abundance of generosity.” 

A generosity that lives on in the generations lucky enough to have been a part of his life.

Nightly rosaries are being held at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Yigo. 

We will keep you posted as soon as we learn details on former Senator Ted Nelson's state funeral.