Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
Larry Keith Nelson Memorial
Larry Keith Nelson Memorial

Larry Keith Nelson

Larry Keith Nelson

Saturday, October 22nd, 2016

Larry Keith Nelson passed peacefully on October 3, 2016 from complications of end stage Parkinson’s in the presence of his loving wife and two daughters. Born to Carl (Swede) and Norma (Small) Nelson on August 15, 1937, he attended grade school in LaConner, Washington then graduated from Sedro Woolley High School in the class of 1956. He lived with Grandma Mamie Duvall during his high school years until he married Judy Duvall on November 5, 1960.
Larry is survived by his wife, Judy, and their children: Stephany and Jeff Anderson, Les and Magan Nelson, Amy and Keith Donaldson and Heidi Nelson and Doug Crawford. His grandchildren include Jennifer and Danny Sizemore, Mac Nelson, Maemie Nelson, Maisie Van Vactor and Alec Nelson Van Vactor. His great grandchildren include Beckham and Emory Sizemore and Miki Nelson and Malakia Willett. His brother and wife, Jim and Corrine Reynolds, and nephew, Jamie Keith Reynolds, and family reside in LaConner. Other close relatives include cousins, Kathy Nelson of Georgia and Karen Hermison of Iowa, and the entire Richard D. Davis family of Arlington. Two loyal labs, Toby and Tobi, preceded Larry in passing. His loyal neighbor is Gary Baker.
Larry possessed an enormous work ethic employed by the Milwaukee Railroad that led him and his family to Cle Elum in 1965 and by Puget Power that led him and Judy back to the Skagit County in 1990. After high school Larry served in the Army Reserves, called into active duty during the Berlin Crisis. He devoted countless volunteer hours to both the South Cle Elum and Clear Lake Fire Departments, retiring with 25 years of service.
Larry lived life to its fullest. He enjoyed fishing and camping in the motorhome with family and friends. He and Judy hosted several festive Super Bowl parties with high school friends and family in his haven, ‘the garage.’ If he was not in his garage, Larry could be found on his boat in the nearest waterway with fellow fisherman, Leonard Carlson, Gary Talbert, Chuck Lederle or Dean Flaggs. He was an active member of the Wildcat Steelhead Club and the Overllook Golf Course coffee club on Big Lake. He truly cherished his friendships.
Larry lived the last two years of his life at Birch View Memory Center, where he both received and gave a huge amount of love.
A Celebration of Life is planned for the spring of 2017 for family and friends to honor Larry. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.

Guestbook

  • Joyce Spencer

    Heidi I was so sorry to hear about your loss. We grow up knowing our beloved parents will probably pass before us but it’s still a tragedy when it hapens. Sending you lots ve and hugs.
    Joyce

  • The Bryans Family

    Larry was a great neighbor and a very kind man. We enjoyed talking with him, when we walked by his house. He even helped my kids look for their lost dog, on a very windy and rainy day. He will be missed.

  • Magan Nelson

    Larry was such a kind man and a wonderful father in law. I loved him so. He leaves us with so many great family memories of good times camping and fishing. He is greatly missed.

  • Dennis Sandage

    Larry was one of the good guy’s, still remember playing the 8th grade boys basketball team in Roslyn. Telling big fish story’s rest in pease Larry.

  • Gerry Robbins

    Reconnected with Larry a couple of years ago, we new each other as kids in LaConner, always liked him, he will be remembered as a good person, a brother. Sorry for your loss.

  • Steve Talerico

    Sending My Love, thoughts, & Prayers to Judy and to Steph, Les, Amy and Hiedi. you are a great family! and thank you for your friendship over all these years. Love you!

    Regards,
    Steve Talerico & the Talerico Family!

  • Jeff DeVere

    Larry was another dad to all of us in South Cle Elum. He showed us how to work hard, have fun, and had a laugh that I will always remember. Whoever walked through the door at the Nelson’s house was family. Thanks for that life Larry and Judy. Those memories won’t leave us….

  • Karen and Kathy

    Karen and I have so many great memories and time spent with Larry and Judy and the children. Fishing, motorbike riding, crabbing. We will always be grateful for our relations ships and good times.

  • Heidi Nelson

    Hello dad,
    I know it took a while, but we finally completed your obituary. Loves, Heidi