A state funeral was held at the Guam Congress building Thursday morning to remember the former Vice Speaker Ted Nelson. 

Island leaders, family and friends gathered to honor his life and legacy. 

His granddaughter and former Senator Telena Nelson gives the eulogy.

“Ted Sgambelluri Nelson, a fighter, a mentor, Mr. Charisma, the consigliere, a political icon, Elvis and a hero are just a few things his friends referred to him as. To us, he was simply known as Papa. He was the man who brought me and my sisters Desiree and Laura through the old legislature halls,” said Telena. 

She describes him as not just a lawmaker, but a change-maker. 

“If you had a problem, he would listen. If you needed guidance, he would lead,” she said. 

Of his many accolades, he was a dedicated educator and 'a visionary fighting for all Guamanians to have a better quality of life.'

“He was instrumental in his land for the landless program because it was fundamental to him that every CHamoru must have land to pass on to their children. It was vital for CHamorus to have ownership in our island of their land,” she added. 

A legislative resolution posthumously honoring Nelson and his legacy.

“He will always be remembered not only for being a dedicated public servant and a member of the greatest generation, but as the heart and soul of his family. A man who taught them everyday to be humble and above all to pray, pray, pray,” said Sen. Therese Terlaje. 

Nelson died on Feb. 10 at 89 years old and now joins his beloved wife Gloria Nelson. 

“He has gone home now to a place where his faith has led him, where Gloria surely waits with open arms and will probably say ‘ya hafa na un lala i tiempo?’ And though he is no longer with us in body, his love, his lessons, his spirit, they remain,” said Telena. 

He will be laid to rest at Pigo Catholic Cemetery in Anigua on Friday. 

“Rest well Papa. You have run your race and you have run it well. Biba Senadot Nelson. Biba Papa,” Telena said.