A. Noel Nelson
December 25, 1930 - May 28, 2013
Obituary
A. Noel Nelson Noel passed away peacefully May 28th 2013 in Burien at the age of 82. A lifelong Seattleite, Noel was the fifth and youngest child of Oscar and Violet Nelson. He was born in Seattle on Christmas Day, 1930 and grew up in the Green Lake area. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Noel went on to earn a B.A. in Education from Central Washington University and then an M.S. in Physical Education from the University of Washington. Noel served two years in the post-WWII US Army of Occupation in Germany before returning to his career as a professional educator. He began as an Elementary teacher, then P.E. and Wood Shop but quickly advanced thru various administrative positions to serve as an Elementary School Principal in the Highline School District from 1974 until his retirement in 1987. Outside of his professional life, Noel dedicated much of his time and talent to various volunteer organizations including the Boy Scouts, the Red Cross, and the National Ski Patrol and was a proud and loving family man. In keeping with his background in Phys Ed, he remained active in some of his favorite recreational activities including Softball, Boating, and Skiing well into his mid-70s. He was also an accomplished amateur woodworker, builder, electrician, plumber, and all-around “DIY-er.” Noel is survived by his wife of 38 years, Julie, his sister Adrienne Schmidt, his five children, Greg, Gary, Jeanne, Rodger, and Monica, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Noel was a good man who guided and provided for his family and we are honored that one of his children chose our daughter to create a new family–his knowledge, humor and gentle personality will continue in his family and we are better for knowing him and morn his loss.
The Bells & Buoys Square Dance Club and all it’s members will miss Noel. He had a rewarding life.
We enjoyed a long friendship with Noel and Julie. Our daughters babysat their children. We square danced with them. We have many good memories.
Mr. Nelson was one of the great faculty members of Sunset Jr. High.