BRIAN SCOTT NELSON

1969 - 2013

Brian Scott Nelson, 43, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 19, 2013 at his home in Mt. Vernon, WA.

He was born on May 28, 1969, in Boise, Idaho, to Robert V. and Betty (Hull) Nelson and the world would never be the same again. Anyone who ever met Brian would not easily forget him!

In 1971 the family moved to the San Diego area and lived in Coronado. Later, Brian and his mother moved to Point Loma, Vista, Klamath Falls, back to Boise and finally settled in the Skagit Valley. Brian attended various Christian elementary schools, The School of Creative and Performing Arts and was homeschooled for much of high school. He attended the Oregon Institute of Technology as a Software Engineering major until illness hit.

Brian grew up in a musical family (both parents are music teachers) and enjoyed singing, playing guitar, and listening to blues, jazz and classical music. He was a member of the San Diego Boys Choir and sang the lead role in "Amahl and the Night Visitors". In later years he enjoyed singing with the Boise Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus and choirs at church. We will miss his warm baritone voice.

Brian learned the art of traditional woodworking from a close friend, and he always had some kind of project under construction; he was especially proud of the wood dyes and finishes that he developed. Brian had his own woodworking business for many years and it brought him such joy to craft something beautiful and useful out of the magnificent trees that God had made. He had large hands and an equally large heart, and he would go out of his way to help someone in need. He loved kids and especially loved to teach them about God's creation, music or woodworking.

Brian is survived by his parents, Betty J. Nelson of Mt. Vernon, WA and Robert V. Nelson of Portland, OR; his brother Steve Nelson (Sharron) of Boise, ID; his sisters Brenda Nelson (Marvin Hamm) of Portland, OR and Becky Hedman (Eben), of Burlington, WA; his nieces, Hannah Van Eenoo, and Elisabeth Hedman; his nephews Samuel Nelson, Peter Hedman, Matthew Brown, and John Nelson; and his grand-nephew, Axel Hedman.

Brian valiantly battled Crohn's Disease and its complications for over 25 years. He underwent multiple surgeries and hospitalizations and the past few years were especially difficult as he struggled a lot with pain and with the medications prescribed to control it. He had just returned from a short time at rehab and had made new friends, new plans and was hopeful. His family is so proud of him for asking for help and making positive choices!

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Skagit Valley Hospital, United General Hospital and U of WA Digestive Diseases; Brian's caregiver, Barbara; Don, Dave and Dan; Pastor Kevin and Pastor Al; and the many other people who loved Brian and prayed for him and his family.

A memorial service, hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church where he was a member, will be held on Sat. April 6th at 3 pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 415 S. 18th St., Mt. Vernon, with a reception following. Please visit Brian.Nelson.muchloved.com to share your thoughts. Arrangements are by Whatcom Cremation and Funeral, Bellingham, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian's memory to Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 S 18th St. Mt. Vernon, WA 98274, The Institute for Creation Research at www.icr.org, or Children with Intestinal and Liver Disorders Foundation at www.child.ca