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1958 - 2012

BORN

1958

DIED

2012

Ron Nelson Obituary

RON NELSON
June 9, 1958 - Sept 19, 2012
The family of Ronald Brian Nelson, 54, is sad to announce that he died on September 19 at his home in Arcata, CA of suicide. Ron was a sweet, fun, kind-hearted man who will be greatly missed.

Ron grew up in Modesto, CA where he graduated from Beyer High School in 1976. A mountain man at heart, he preferred the wilds of nature, especially backpacking & fly fishing in the high Sierras. For several years he lived in Alaska & worked on fishing boats.

Ron settled in Arcata, CA, where he graduated from Humboldt State University in 1997. He was a videographer & also worked in habitat preservation & restoration.

Ron was active in the Arcata partner-dancing community & was a dedicated fan of the Humboldt Crabs baseball team.

Ron is survived by his sister Martia (Marcia) Nelson of Sebastopol CA; his brother & sister-in-law, Jim & Lisa Nelson of Fremont CA, & their children Amy & Rachel; & his sister, Joyce Riffle of Modesto & her children Anna & Jason Rinker. Ron was preceded in death by his mother & father, Virginia & Bill Nelson of Modesto, & his sister, Laurie Nelson Vasbinder of Modesto/Patterson.

A memorial gathering, including music and dancing, will be held at 5:00pm this SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21 at the Redwood Raks Dance Studio, 824 L Street, Arcata. Everyone who knew Ron is welcome.

Donations may be made in Ron's memory to Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org or your favorite nature charity.

People who knew Ron are invited to contact the family through Martia Nelson (707) 823-4403 or PO Box 1932, Sebastopol, CA 95472.
www.cvobituaries.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Modesto Bee from Oct. 17 to Oct. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Ron Nelson

Sponsored by Ron's loving family.

16 Entries

Martia Nelson

July 23, 2013

Hi Patty & Ron, Thanks so much for your 7/12 post. I was really happy to see it. I've been thinking of Ron lately, too, because I had meant to go up to a Crabs game in his honor (& maybe a dance class), but I see by the Crabs' schedule that I've pretty much missed the season. It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year since he passed. Thanks for staying in touch. Wishing you both the best, Martia

Patty & Ron Hoffman

July 12, 2013

We still remember and think about Ron. Especially at the last Crabs baseball game we went to. and at Rueda Salsa class. Monday nights at the Raks. Gone way too soon.

December 6, 2012

Shoshanna, it's so nice to read your entry. Thank you for your part in providing such a wonderful community for Ron. It brings me comfort to know he had the joy and camaraderie of dance -- and that you're thinking of him during the winter holidays. Martia

Shoshanna Rose

December 4, 2012

Miss you Ron! Thinking of you as we dance this holiday season.

RUSSELL LEPAPE

November 4, 2012

I'AM SO SORRY OF RON'S PASSING.
I'VE KNOWN RON SINCE THE MED SIXTIES.
HE CARED ABOUT PEOPLE AND THIER FEELINGS, HE WAS SLIGHTY SHY AND WOULD ALWAYS HELP WHEN NEEDED. EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM HAS LEARNED SOMETHING FROM RON.
GIVE STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO THE NELSON FAMILY, HIS LEGACY WILL LIVE WITH ALL OF US.

October 25, 2012

Joyce Riffle
My brother Ron has been such a blessing in my life!! We shared many hours talking, playing, crying and laughing. He had one of the most loving, compassionate hearts of anyone I have ever known. He was humble yet brave, considerate yet honest.I miss him so much and only wish I had more time with him. Although he is no longer here, I know someday we will be in eternity rejoicing! Let's encourage each other in LOVE, knowing each encounter is a blessing. Joyce Riffle

October 25, 2012

GERI HEYNE

October 24, 2012

I was so sorry to hear of Ron's death. He was a gentle soul. I will pray for his family.

Marilyn Olson

October 21, 2012

I am saddened to hear of Ron"s death.He was such a great guy!I wish I had been able to tell him this,recently.He and I had some deep and great conversations in the past.He loved his family very much and expressed this to me during our long talks. My sincere and heart felt condolences to Jim,Marcia, Joyce,Ana. Jason and all his extended family and friends. Ron will be sorely missed!

Martia Nelson

October 18, 2012

Thank you for your message, Butch. I'd love to hear about that. If you feel telling me about it, please contact me (707) 823-4403 or [email protected].

Butch Bondi

October 18, 2012

Had the pleasure to have worked with Ron on many Dance Shows at EHS auditorium.He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the Family

H.S.U. Football game August. 2012

Jennifer Johnson

October 17, 2012

I'll never forget Ron! He was one of the amazingest friend I ever had. We met a little over 3 years ago @ the Humboldt Crab's baseball games. He was always so welcoming and would save me a spot & wouldn't get drunk, mean & crazy like most of the men & others would do @ the games. He was the only friend I have ever had that was so into sports. Let alone the same types of sports & teams that I am into. He was always making me laugh at real funny & wacky jokes.

Jennifer Wheeler

October 17, 2012

To the Nelson family, I have known Ron for many years, since 1993, when I met him as a fellow student in a range improvement class at HSU. I went on and got a job with the BLM, and in that capacity, Ron returned again and again into my professional life; as a native seed collector, an Invasive weed videographer with Ecovisions, (even as the videographer of my daughters' dance recitals), and most recently as a volunteer for the BLM. Over the years, Ron put in hundreds of hours of hard work in the dunes pulling iceplant, Himalaya berry, and European beachgrass in an effort to conserve native plant habitat. Rob was a gentle spirit, a conservationist, and just a very nice man. I am sad for this loss and he will be missed.

Martia Nelson

October 16, 2012

Ann & Steve, Thank you so much for your entries about knowing Ron. They are comforting to read. If you feel like it, would you call me at (707) 823-4403 to share a little about your connection with him? I hadn't stayed much in touch with Ron the last several years and now I'm trying to piece together his life by the things people can tell me. Would enjoy hearing from you. In any case, I appreciate your entries and imagine Ron's life was enriched by those contacts with you. Martia (Ron's sister)

Ann Alter

October 16, 2012

I remember Ron as inquisitive and always helpful. Every now and then he would drop by and we would chat about filmmaking and his ideas for wildlife and nature films. He was earnest and respectful. I'm sorry that he is no longer with us.

Steve Newman

October 16, 2012

I'm sad. I had the privilege of working with Ron on video projects before I retired. What a nice, kind, talented, shy, helpful person. One of the good guys.

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