Thursday, April 29, 2010

A Man of Character, A Character of a Man




Amy and I have sad news. Our Dad passed away last Friday. So everyone take a deep breath for us and take a drink of water. If you feel the need to have a bite to eat, well in honor of Dad consider: burnt cookies, well done steak, a thick slab of cheese, Oreo double stuff cookies, rye crisp crackers with peanut butter, potato salad, macaroni salad, smoked fish, smoked ham, dollar size pancakes, mexican food, or stir fry. Those were some of his favorites.



Wayne E. Nelson September 5, 1932- April 23, 2010

Wayne Nelson died unexpectedly April 23, 2010. Wayne was born to Tekney and Dorothy Nelson on September 5, 1932 in Yakima, WA. He filled his 77 years looking for the great perhaps. In that search Wayne worked as a jack of all trades and a master of some. His occupations included antique dealer, truck driver, hairdresser, water salesman, elephant hunter, wildcat well driller, maintenance man, gambler and helping people in need. Wayne stood up for what he believed in even though the road had been rough on occasion. He was a man of steel (rusty at times) and had a heart of gold.

Wayne was a proud Highline High School graduate from 1950. He served in the Navy from 1952-1956 including service during the Korean War. He furthered his service to his country and countrymen as a member of the Moose, Elks and Lion’s clubs.

As an avid and voracious reader, Wayne continued his education. He enjoyed gardening, was a casino regular up and down the coast and was an adventurous cook.

Wayne is survived by his daughters Amy Roney of Olympia, Wendy Grantham of Normandy Park, granddaughter Kat Roney of Olympia, Reyde Grantham of Normandy Park, brother Bob Nelson of Everett, significant other Delores Ehlers of Westport and his cats Bushy and Sheba of Westport.

Wayne, we are going to miss your cantankerous old self and your endless lectures.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 2:00 PM at the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribal Center located at 2373 Old Tokeland Road in Tokeland Washington.