John R. Nilson

John R. ''Bob'' Nilson, 76, of 20 Wendover Way, Bedford, died March 26, 2000, at his residence after a long illness. He was born in Rochester, New York on May 14, 1923, the son of Frederick C. And Hazel L. (Weaver) Nilson. He was raised in Rochester and entered Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana in 1941. His studies were interrupted by service in the US Air Force during W.W. II. Returning to Purdue in 1946, he graduated with a BSEE degree in February of 1948 at which time he married Wilma Jean Cook in Bushnell, Nebraska, who predeceased him in June of 1986. Most of his working life was spent in the design and production of electronic instrumentation for the process industries such as refineries and chemical plants. He was the author of more than seventeen US and foreign patents, mainly in the electronics fields and frequently spoke at national engineering meetings. He also served on the Bedford Planning Board for ten years and as a consultant for five. Family members include a son, Stephen Nilson of Wake Forest, N.C., two daughters, Victoria Wilcox of Bloomsburg, Pa. , and Leslie Beckwith of New Boston, N.H., a brother Frederick W. Nilson of Hilton Head Island, S.C., three grandchildren, a niece and a nephew. SERVICES: There are no services or calling hours at Mr. Nilson's request. Interment of his cremated remains will be at the Bedford Center Cemetery, Bedford, NH at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made to EOS Therapeutic Riding Center, 288 Dahl Road, Bloomsburg, Pa. 17815.