Word has been received of the death Jan. 8 in California of former Wayland High School teacher Gerald Lee Nelson. He was 79.

Mr. Nelson, who taught biology, science, speech and English at Wayland in the 1960s and 1970s, was born on May 9, 1941. There was no information about any service, but he has been under the care of the Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery, San Berdino, Calif.

WHS graduate Brian Dobry posted on the mortuary web site, “Mr. Nelson was one of, if not my most favorite, teachers. I have shared Mr. Nelson stories with my family and friends since graduating in 1980 from Wayland High School.”

Ruby Robart posted, “Condolences to Jerry’s family. I have many memories of him as a student, specifically speech class, which was invaluable to me in later life and after high school when he and Gayle helped me out at a time when I needed it most.”