LARRY KEITH NELSON

August 15, 1937 - October 3, 2016

Larry Keith Nelson passed peacefully on October 3, 2016 from complications of end stage Parkinson's in the presence of his loving wife and two daughters.

Born to Carl (Swede) and Norma (Small) Nelson on August 15, 1937, he attended grade school in La Conner, Washington then graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in the class of 1956. He lived with Grandma Mamie Duvall during his high school years until he married Judy Duvall on November 5, 1960.

Larry is survived by his wife, Judy, and their children Stephany and Jeff Anderson, Les and Magan Nelson, Amy and Keith Donaldson and Heidi Nelson and Doug Crawford; his grandchildren include Jennifer and Danny Sizemore, Mac Nelson, Maemie Nelson, Maisie Van Vactor and Alec Nelson Van Vactor; his great-grandchildren include Beckham and Emory Sizemore and Miki Nelson and Malakia Willett; his brother and wife, Jim and Corrine Reynolds, and nephew, Jamie Keith Reynolds, and family reside in La Conner. Other close relatives include cousins, Kathy Nelson of Georgia and Karen Hermison of Iowa, and the entire Richard D. Davis family of Arlington. Two loyal labs, Toby and Tobi, preceded Larry in passing. His loyal neighbor is Gary Baker.

Larry possessed an enormous work ethic employed by the Milwaukee Railroad that led him and his family to Cle Elum in 1965 and by Puget Power that led him and Judy back to the Skagit County in 1990.

After high school Larry served in the Army Reserves, called into active duty during the Berlin Crisis.

He devoted countless volunteer hours to both the South Cle Elum and Clear Lake Fire Departments, retiring with 25 years of service.

Larry lived life to its fullest. He enjoyed fishing and camping in the motorhome with family and friends. He and Judy hosted several festive Super Bowl parties with high school friends and family in his haven, "the garage." If he was not in his garage, Larry could be found on his boat in the nearest waterway with fellow fisherman, Leonard Carlson, Gary Talbert, Chuck Lederle or Dean Flaggs. He was an active member of the Wildcat Steelhead Club and the Overllook Golf Course coffee club on Big Lake. He truly cherished his friendships.

Larry lived the last two years of his life at Birch View Memory Center, where he both received and gave a huge amount of love.
A Celebration of Life is planned for the spring of 2017 for family and friends to honor Larry.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.

Share memories of Larry and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.