Beauford D. "Bud" Nelson

Longtime Fairbanks resident Beauford "Bud" D. Nelson, 84, died May 3, 2009.

Bud was born Nov. 10, 1924, in Keewatin, Minn., to Henry and Hannah Nelson, and he grew up in Deer River, Minn., where he used to walk to school with his pet deer and graduated from Deer River High School.

Bud went through an apprenticeship to become a machinist for a steel company. While working in Duluth, he met the love of his life, Ruth. They were introduced at a Frankie Yankovic show, and it was there that he asked Ruth to join him for a cup of coffee. Shortly after, the two were married in 1952, traveled to Alaska for a honeymoon and never left. One year later, they started a family with the addition of their first son, David. Daniel, Donald, Lorrietta and Duane followed.

Bud enjoyed photography and working at the Co-Op Photo, while he worked as a cabinet builder doing business as Alaska Mills. Eventually, Bud made photography his legacy when in 1964 he started operating Nelson's Photography from his home on Bentley Drive.

Bud was a member of The Salvation Army board. He was active in the Nordale PTA, Fairbanks Lions Club and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1551, Loyal Order of Moose, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Pioneers of Alaska and the Professional Photographers of America.

Bud first came to Alaska for his love of fishing and hunting, as he is well known for his Boone & Crockett Club's record Dall sheep that he shot in 1953. The sheep was ranked No. 4 in the record books and now ranks No. 14.

His family said, "Bud's generous nature, sense of humor, friendly smile and entertaining stories told, will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Even in his last hour, Bud was making jokes. Bud's spirit will be laid to rest on the Delta Clearwater River at the cabin that he and his sons built, a place where Bud loved to spend his summer days."

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Lyle, Conrad, Vern and Udell Nelson.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth: son and daughter-in-law, David and Katrina Droz-Nelson; son, Daniel; son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Tamekia; daughter and son-in-law, Lorrietta and Ron Johnson; and son and daughter-in-law, Duane and Gretchen; grandchildren, Drew, Justin, Donny, Dani, Michael Sapp, Niccolette, and Marian; and many other family members, including nieces and nephews; Ruth's siblings; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Nelson; and sister, Brenda Morgan of California; and their families.

A memorial service will be hosted at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 9, at the Elks Lodge. Friends are invited to join the family for a potluck. Come share a warm dish and your favorite memories of Bud Nelson.

Arrangements were by Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.