Fred Irvin Nelson
June 1, 1927 - December 20, 2004
Obituary
Fred Irvin Nelson
FRED IRVIN NELSON Born June 1, 1927 in Seattle, the son of Henry and Lilly Nelson, passed away Dec. 20, 2004 from Parkinson’s Disease. Preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Donna DeCoursey Nelson and his brother Calvin Nelson. He is survived by five children, David Nelson Robin of Bellevue, Paul Nelson of Seattle, Jeannie Murphy Jim of Woodinville, Cheri Blood Ron of Issaquah, Debbie Nelson of Tukwila, and six grandchildren. Also, survived by his brothers Ernest Nelson, Sone Nelson, Gordon Nelson and his sister Florence Scheffler. In 1948, Fred began a long career with Washington Natural Gas, retiring in 1992 as Vice-President of the Southern Division headquartered in Tacoma. He was a well-respected boss and a good friend. He was an excellent bowler and golfer and enjoyed traveling with his beloved Donna. After Donna’s death, Fred moved from Lakewood to Newcastle and then finally to the Heritage Lodge at Totem Lake where he enjoyed playing bingo and received excellent care. Fred served his country in the US Army during World War II. He was a longtime member of Tacoma Rotary and was active in the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce and Daffodil Festival for several years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, 12039 NE 128th St., Kirkland, WA 98034 or www.nwpf.org . Services will be offered Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 11:00 AM, at Wiggen & Sons Funeral Home, 2003 NW 57th Street in Ballard. Please sign the online guest book, www.wiggenandsons.com.
I miss all of the poker games that we had.
A good friend who will be missed.
Fred was a longtime good friend dating back to school days in West Woodland and we shared many good times. In later years we enjoyed playing poker at our monthly poker games. Fred & Donna, Bill & Mary Bjornstad also had a special friendship and visited one another whenever the opportunity was there to do so. We are happy we were able to see and visit with Fred this past summer. We know his family will miss him as we will as well.
Fred was a true friend. We will charish all the trips we took together.
To Fred’s family:
I knew Fred through Rotary, and really enjoyed his company. I am sorry I cannot attend the service tomorrow.
Ray Schuler
Fred worked with me on several Tacoma 8 Rotary auction committees. He was excellent at recruiting volunteers, giving them assignments and following up to make sure they knew when to be where to assist us. He was a wonderful Rotarian and gentle human being. I have missed him over the past few months since his health no longer allowed him to attend our weekly meetings. He used to drive up early and we often chatted in the parking lot before others arrived. Fred will be missed by the 400+ Tacoma 8 Rotarians who called him friend.
Fred was a good boss and a swell guy!
Fred treated colleagues, employees and customers with the highest care and consideration throughout his successfull career.
Fred was a good boss, mentor and friend who leaves us with many memories. He will be missed by all who knew him.
I was involved with Fred at Rotary, the Daffodil Festival, and with selling him his Toyota here at Titus-Will.He will be missed by many here in the community, as he was admired and respected for his ambitions and kind heart. My prayers to the family of Fred. With respects, Fred Moisio
I remember Fred from Ballard High School days. He was always very friendly. My condolences to the family.
Fred was one of our finest Board members for the Chamber…always supportive of the staff in a kind, yet firm and sensible way. He gave much in service to his company and community.
Fred Nelson is my grandfather. I am his youngest daughters Deborah child. One of my brightest memories of my grandfather is him lifting me up so I could mark the day it was off his calender. I dont know why it stuck with but it did and I will never forget the times I had with him or my grandmother. Thank You to everyone who has helped the family at this time!