On the morning of Jan. 15, 2015, stylist Gordon Nelson, 64, passed away. His Facebook page gave a simple announcement: 

"This morning, Gordon Bell Nelson passed away peacefully and without pain at home in the presence of his family. A wonderful grandfather, father, and husband, he will be deeply missed. We know many of you have been touched by Gordon. We appreciate the kind thoughts and prayers of all who love him as we do."

Nelson passed in his home after a yearlong battle with cancer. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Nelson was raised in London, where he began his career as a stylist, artist and educator.

"Gordon began his career as an apprentice with Vidal Sassoon in 1967," says Mary Beth Martin, director of corporate marketing at Regis Corporation. "His work appeared regularly in mnay well-known fashion publications including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Elle. Six years later, he became a partner and creative director at Joshua Galvin, one of London's most distinguished haircutting schools. He traveled extensively in Europe, training stylists on the latest techniques and trends in hair fashion."

Nelson was the executive vice president of education at Regis and thereby created education programs with technical expertise, fashion trends and customer relations for stylists. Nelson was at Regis from 1977 to 2012, 35 years.

"Because of his commitment to quality, Gordon was regarded as a premier educator and designer in the industry," Martin says.

Nelson is survived by his wife, Beverly Ann Nelson; sons Gordon, Dylan and Damon; grandchildren, Harry and Ella; sister, Christine; and brother, Robert. Our thoughts are with Nelson's friends and family.