Ron Nelson

Ronald E. Nelson, 72, died of cancer at his Naselle, Washington residence on September 4, 2010 surrounded by family. The son of Leonard and Olive (Marker) Nelson he was born in Longview, Washington on January 12, 1938. He grew up on the family dairy farm in Woodland, Washington. He was a graduate of Woodland High School where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball, served as student body president, attended Boys State and was active in Future Farmers of America. While attending Lower Columbia College in Longview he again played football. Ron began his business career in banking, first in Woodland and then in Longview. For a number of years he was a self-employed building contractor in the Longview area. In 1985 he returned to banking with the Bank of Pacific where he served as branch manager and vice president until retiring in 2000. Ron was an avid fisherman, both locally and in Alaska. He also enjoyed golf, traveling domestically and internationally, clamming, and crawfishing. Since retirement he enjoyed summer months in Naselle and winter months in Arizona. He lived life to the fullest, loved his family and friends, and especially enjoyed keeping in touch with his grandchildren, attending their numerous activities and events. He and Connie Kuhn were married and later divorced. In 1990 he married Patricia O'Connor who survives him, residing in Naselle and Arizona. Also surviving are his son Rod Nelson of Ridgefield, WA; his daughter Tina Collins of Aloha, Oregon; two sons by marriage Jeff Friddle of Yuma, Arizona and Sean Friddle of Astoria, OR; grandchildren Chelsea, Parker, Chloe, Cayden and Chase; and great-grandchildren Josiah and Elisha. He was preceded in death by his sister Bonnie Bewick. Memorial service will be held Saturday, September 11, 2010, 2:00 PM at Naselle Lutheran Church with a reception following at the church. Those wishing may make memorials to either the Peaceful Hill Cemetery Association or Harbors Home Health and Hospice in care of Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.