Drew T. Nielsen

Drew T. Nielsen

Drew Nielsen died on Saturday, May 12, 2012 doing what he loved best, white water rafting. Drew was a true and dedicated son of Everett, Washington. He was born in Everett on May 8, 1951 to Marjorie Lonien Nielsen and Andrew Nielsen. He attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and Everett High School. He received his AA from Everett Community College where his mother was the college registrar. He went on to the University of Washington, receiving a BA in political science in 1973.
Following in his father's footsteps, he attended law school at the University of Washington. He joined his father's Everett law practice in 1976, specializing in business and real estate law.
Outside of his law practice, Drew became active in community projects, beginning with establishing the neighborhood park at 13th and Colby Avenue. He was an early representative on the Council of Neighborhoods, eventually becoming its president. Drew was well versed in urban planning, and when he visited other cities he always looked for great ideas to bring to Everett. He served on the Everett Planning Commission and Tree Committee, always advocating for his much loved city. When a vacancy occurred on the Everett City Council in 2004, Drew was appointed to fill the seat. He remained on the City Council until the time of his death.
In addition to his intellectual and civic interests, Drew was an avid outdoorsman. As a young man he often backpacked in the Olympics and Cascades. He later took up bicycling, completing the STP eight times. He returned to snow skiing when his sons took up snowboarding. He added white water rafting to his passions, becoming an expert level river runner. He loved to travel, sightseeing extensively in the United States and Europe. Drew met his first wife, Kathy Kamel, while they both attended law school. Together they had two fabulous sons, Alec and Nate. After Drew and Kathy divorced, they remained good friends, co-parenting their beloved sons. Drew met Kim Hallett in 1998 and became a father to her son, Kraig Luttrell. Drew and Kim married in July, 2011, on the Navajo Bridge over the Colorado River, the day before beginning a 16 day rafting trip in the Grand Canyon.
Drew is survived by his beloved wife, Kim; his two sons, Alec and Nate; his stepson, Kraig; his sister, Mary Pearson (Doug); niece, Kody; nephew, Thor; and his two canine rafting partners, Heelers--Kelsey and Tanner.
He was predeceased by his parents.
The public is invited to a memorial gathering on Sunday, May 20, 2012, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Weyerhaeuser Room at The Everett Station, 3201 Smith Avenue, Everett.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Drew Nielsen Benevolent Fund, at BECU, PO Box 97050, Seattle, WA 98124-9750, for the advancement of arts and community development causes Drew held dear.