Arthur C. "AC" Nutter

ARTHUR C. “AC” NUTTER
September 12, 1944 ˜ January 17, 2026

Arthur C. “AC” Nutter, age 81, was born on September 12, 1944, in Mt. Nebo, West Virginia, to George and Anna Nutter. He passed on January 17, 2026, from a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. AC spent the majority of his life in the Vancouver and Brush Prairie area where he built both a family and legacy.

He graduated from Battle Ground High School in 1963 and earned his Associate’s Degree from Clark College. In 1967, AC was ordered to Vietnam but was diverted to South Korea due to escalating tensions with North Korea. During this time, his wife, Cathy, gave him the gift of twin sons, Tony and Andy.

A few years later, he joined families with his wife, Jan, who had three children: Leah, Rhonda and Scott, and became a truly blended family. He is survived by his wife, Jan of 42 years, five children, 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; all of whom loved him dearly.

Survivors include: Jan Nutter; Tony Nutter; Andy Nutter (Deborah); Leah Shafer (Ric); Rhonda Maudlin (John); Scott Clark (Stephanie).

He is also survived by his mother, Anna “Kuky” Nutter; sister, Nena Falkenstein; brother, Keith Nutter (Gale); many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Nutter, and sister, Gayle Nutter (Cumin).

AC founded Nutter Racing Engines and built it into one of the most respected engine shops in the Pacific Northwest. Through Nutter Racing Engines, he proudly employed family and close colleagues; including Jan, Andy, Scott, Austin, Ken Gummus and Bryan Nutter.

After serving in the U.S. Army, AC began building racing engines in 1968, inspired by a college friend competing in the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster Class. An accomplished racer himself, AC set 11 NHRA racing records and earned two Wally awards. A gifted machinist and relentless innovator, he pushed boundaries early on - experimenting with concepts such as powering a dragster with a pair of Big-Block Chevy 427 CID engines, coupled in tandem. His ingenuity led to two patents and decades of success. His engines powered nearly everything with a piston - from go-carts and racing boats to NASCAR Winston Cup cars. He loved what he did and often said he never worked a day in his life.

We will miss you, honey!

Please join AC’s family at his Chapel Service to be held on Monday, January 26, at 12:30 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1101 NE 112th Ave., Vancouver WA 98684. Graveside service to follow at 1:30 p.m. with reception from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

A heartfelt thank you to all of the family and friends who have given us support during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the Ray Hickey Hospice House for the incredible compassion and care they provided to our entire family.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits