Samuel Thor Nersten, 81, a lifelong Skagit Valley resident, passed away on June 28, 2020 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.
Sam was born on May 14, 1939 in Mount Vernon, Washington the son of Thor & Francis (Cantlin) Nersten. He was raised and attended grade school in Big Lake and attended and graduated from SWHS with the class of 1957.
On May 16, 1958 Sam was united in marriage to Lois Knopf and they made their home and raised their family in Big Lake until moving to the Day Creek area in 1977.
Sam worked as a heavy equipment operator in the timber industry building and maintaining logging roads over 35 years for Georgia Pacific and the Department of Natural Resources.
He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting, going on high mountain hunts on horseback, he was a cattle rancher and was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge and a longtime member of the Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department.
Sam is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lois, at the family home in Day Creek; his sons, Eddie Nersten and wife Janice of Day Creek, B.J. Nersten and wife Annie of Lyman and Russell Nersten of Day Creek; nine grandchildren, Haley Nersten Lloyd (Reed), Cortney, Carolyn, Venessa, Randal, Annalee, Dylan, and Sydney Nersten; three great-grandchildren, Kalvinn Garcia and Bentley and Oliver Nersten; sisters, Carol Nersten, Noreen Hall and Julie Rockafellow; brother, Norman Nersten and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
No services will be held at this time. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of Sam and sign the online guest register.
To the Nersten family,
You all grew up with us out in Big Lake. May you find peace in all the wonderful memories of your Dad. May he rest in peace. Another big part of Big Lake gone but not forgotten.
Love the Hamilton family. Dixie, Julie, Karen and Scott
GOD BLESS the family. B. J. Julie and all. Deepest regrets. R.I.P. Sam.
Sam was my cousin, but he was more like a brother to me. We spent most of our childhood together and well into adulthood. I have so many wonderful memories. I cherish the fact that last summer, I got to visit with Sam and enjoyed sharing old memories with him. I will miss him dearly. God rest his soul. Rest in Peace my dearest cousin.
A sad goodbye to a lovely neighbor. Peace and comfort in the memories of a well-lived life.
Sam was what people call a great guy. He cared deeply for his wife and family and loved his grandkids with his entire being. He will be deeply missed by all. RIP Sam.
I knew Sam in high school through his cousin, Mick Bailey. Sam was a nice and friendly school mate. Condolences to his loved ones.
So sorry for your loss. You and Sam and I have been friends for a long time. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Uncle Sam was a very kind hearted sole he is going to be missed very much. Our memories of him will carry on.💓