Clifford H. Nelson

1930 - 2016

Clifford H. Nelson, of Arlington, Washington passed away December 26, 2016. He was born April 9, 1930, in a small cabin on Grandview Road (Swede Hill) to parents, Carl G. (Charlie) Nelson and Olga M. Strand who were among the first Swedish Immigrants to homestead the area. Cliff died peacefully at home surrounded by his family after a valiant fight against cancer. He is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 66 years, Mary; his children, Karen (Randy) Tendering, Pat (Neil) Jolin, David (Kim) Nelson, and Steven (Marguerite) Nelson: grandchildren, Michelle (Erik) Youngquist, Amy (Brandon) Lonac, Lisa (Kevin) Coghill, Christy (Larry) Hanson, Dan (Shawna) Houser, Tim (Megan) Jolin, Marilee (Matt) Jolin, Tyler (Aliza) Nelson, Brett Nelson, Melissa Browning, Gary (Chris) Fureby, Serenity (Andrew) Walter, Eli Nelson, Isaac Nelson; 27 great-grand-children and four great-great grandchildren; and two nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Carl Nelson. Cliff's career as a machinist, primarily at Western Gear, provided for his family for over 40 years. He was a lover of nature and often used his binoculars to observe wildlife and view Stimson Hill from his dining room window. He was an avid camper for over 50 years. He was a member of the Bryant Fire Department and served as Fire Chief for a time. Cliff was also a Life Member of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Washington and Worshipful Master in 1973. After retiring, Cliff helped establish regular reunions for the Arlington High School class of '48. He was also instrumental in documenting the history of his beloved Swede Hill with the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Association, researching and authoring "An Historical Account of the Settlement of Grandview" in 2010. Cliff and Mary cherished their friendships with high school friends, neighbors and people they met while wintering in Arizona. Cliff also enjoyed strong relationships with his cousins in Sweden, visiting Sweden three times as well as hosting many cousins who visited the US. Cliff loved being with his children, "grands" and "greats"; he also loved being able to turn his hearing aids off when needed! He created countless childhood memories for his grand-children, leading them on ogre and snipe hunts in the dark of night. In later years, no family gathering was complete until Grandpa took all the kids out for a tractor ride around the property. Cliff will be remembered as a devoted family man and diligent caretaker of his home and land, who could fix just about anything and make everyone laugh. His impact will be felt for generations through his humor (his signature jokes and one-liners will remain forever in Nelson family conversation), his creativity (expressed through his beautiful wood-working), and his powerful, tender-hearted love for his wife and family. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, January 6, 1 p.m. at the Bryant Community Church, 26830 53rd Ave NE Arlington, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an account at Key Bank, Arlington branch, 535 N Olympic Ave. to help with medical bills for Cliff's daughter, Karen Tendering who is fighting cancer.