By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Flags are flown at half-staff in honor of former Vice Speaker Ted Nelson, who passed away Monday. He was 90.
Nelson served six terms between 1982 and 1994. Before his political career, Nelson was an educator. He served as the principal of George Washington High School. He later served as a special assistant under Gov. Carlos Camacho and Gov. Ricky Bordallo.
Nelson was married to Gloria Camacho Borja and has four children (Gwendolyn "Gwen", Theodore "Ted" Jr., Glenn and Rhonda) and one adopted daughter (Mary Adelbai Wenty). Nelson is the paternal grandfather of former Sen. Telena Cruz Nelson
“Vice Speaker Nelson dedicated his life to service, and he did so with humility, wisdom, and a deep love for the people of Guam. As an educator, he nurtured generations of students, always believing that knowledge was the key to a better future," Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said.
"As a six-term senator and vice speaker of the Guam legislature, he carried that same passion for learning into public service, working to build stronger communities, create opportunities for working families, and uplift those who needed it most. It was an honor to serve alongside him as a senator,” the governor added.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio described Nelson “a champion for affordable housing, a leader in infrastructure development, and a fighter for the common man—always standing up for those who couldn’t fight for themselves.”
As the creator of the Land for the Landless program, he made homeownership a reality for countless families, giving them not just land but the foundation for a better future, the lt, governor added.
“His work laid the groundwork for a stronger Guam, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the policies he shaped, and the communities he helped build," he added.
Speaker Frank Blas Jr. said Nelson “will be long remembered for his political astuteness and willingness to share his knowledge and wisdom with senators who served with and after him without concern of political affiliation. He was truly a statesman with the heart of a lion.”
Anthony “Tony” Chargualaf Jr., chairman of the Democratic Party of Guam, said Nelson “embodied the essence of public service—transforming politics into a platform for compassion and connection.”
“His dedication to the people of Guam led him to run with former Speaker Joaquin ‘Kin’ Arriola in the gubernatorial primary in 1974,” Chargualaf said.
Rikki Orsini, the party vice chair, said as a delegate to the 1977 Guam Constitutional Convention, Nelson advocated for environmental protection, education reform, and economic development.
“He particularly promoted sustainable tourism, preserved natural resources, and supported initiatives to enhance public education and vocational training. Vice Speaker Nelson brought his advocacy at a regional level as vice president of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures from 1994 to 1997,” Orsini said.
“During this time of profound loss, we remember Vice Speaker Nelson as a man whose innate ability to engage with people from all walks of life and make them feel welcomed and respected was a testament to his character and humility,” she added.
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