Christopher H. "Chris" Nelson

1951 - 2014

BORN

1951

DIED

2014

About

El Modena High School

Christopher Nelson Obituary

CHRISTOPHER H. (CHRIS) NELSON Chris Nelson passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on January 13, 2014 at the age of 62 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was a loving son and brother, a great companion and a loyal friend to many. He was born May 4, 1951 in Portland, Oregon to Robert and Carolyn Nelson, moved to Park Ridge, Illinois in 1958 and settled with his family in Orange, California in 1961. Beginning at an early age he developed a lifelong love of sports, putting on his first baseball uniform at the age of six and football following shortly thereafter. Ultimately, it was his passion for golf that steered his path, both professionally and socially for the better part of his life. However, we can't forget his tenure as starting quarterback at El Modena High School and subsequently the next four years at Central College in Pella, Iowa where he still holds several school records. His working years were spent initially in the restaurant industry in order to support his golfing aspirations until he landed permanently on the golf courses of Orange County where he held positions as both Assistant and Head Professional at several clubs. During those years he also taught countless students the finer points of the game of golf. He developed a love of reading at a young age, especially pertaining to history and sports, which inspired him to engage in many a spirited conversation with family and friends. Music was also a prominent influence throughout his life, starting with a guitar in 6th grade, advancing to a drum set in high school and settling in with a saxophone in later years. Jazz was his main focus and we've shared many a great evening celebrating good times with great music. He loved to enjoy life with those close to him and we will treasure those great memories and miss his presence always. Chris was preceded in death by his father Robert and is survived by his mother Carolyn; his sister Marianne Maxwell (Mike), nieces Erin Maxwell and Meghan Kuntz; his loving companion of 13 years Myra Ramirez and her entire family including three granddaughters, as well as his college friends and golfing buddies. A private celebration of Chris's life will be held on January 25th. Memorial donations may be made to the Orange County SPCA., ocspca.org

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Published by The Press-Enterprise on Jan. 19, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Nelson

8 Entries

Bob Jagger

February 14, 2021

I only learned of Chris’ passing a few days ago. Chris and I first met at El Modena Elementary school in 1961, when we were both new to the area. We became best of friends and enjoyed sports, classroom, and social antics together up to and through high school. We kept in contact during our college years, but as happens all too often with many people, we lost contact as the years passed. Chris was a good person and always fun to be with. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his mother Carolyn, his sister Marianne, and partner Myra.

G Mann

September 22, 2019

He was a good friend and a good man. He even tolerated me after I caddying for him at US Open qualifying and screwing up his yardages. I'll miss the camaraderie and the slots in Vegas. Ride the wind my friend.

Glenn Lukenbill

January 22, 2014

Chris will always be remembered as a talented and much respected person who brought much joy to those who were fortunate enough to know him. As one of his high school football coaches I can say he was a wonderful player and a delight to have on our team at ELMO.

Al Dorenkamp/ 75 Dutch Grad

January 22, 2014

I remember Chris as a small but tough QB who had some big games at Central College. He enjoyed his Central buddies and golf was his passion. He was a great teammate. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends.

Rick Anthony

January 20, 2014

Although we played different sports and had no classes together, Chris was the type of person that you could strike up a conversation with anywhere. He was a talented athlete, friendly, an all around good guy. My prayers go out to his family.

When I was just a few years out of El Mo

Rik Clark Converse

January 20, 2014

He was the first person I met when I moved to Orange County in 61. We lived on the same street - Laurinda Lane. I met him my first day at El Modena Elementary and he taught me about playing marbles (which seemed to me the mandatory game for social interaction.) He was a year ahead of me and I always saw him as a leader from elementary through High School. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good guy.

Jan Lake (Galaway)

January 20, 2014

Although Chris and I were high school classmates,
We didn't date until after college, during his "golf aspiration" days. I remember him as an excellent athlete and a wonderful friend. My prayers and thoughts are with his loved ones .
Blessings,
Jan Galaway Lake

Timothy Boyd

January 20, 2014

Sorry to hear the news. I knew Chris since grade school. He was a really good athlete, and a good friend to me. I haven't seen him in a while, but when I did, we picked right up where we left off. Prayers and thoughts to his family.

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