Roger Berniel Nelson Sr.

Roger Berniel Nelson, Sr. Passed away peacefully in his sleep at his South Tacoma home Tuesday, January 13th after a courageous battle with cancer. Born March 12, 1934 to Niel B. and Suzanne Nelson, Roger was a second generation graduate of Stadium High School, receiving his diploma in 1952. Subsequently, Roger spent a tour of duty with the US Navy during the Korean conflict as a Commissary Man 3rd class aboard the Destroyer Escort USS Kingsville. Most of Nelson's working career was in Tacoma's automobile business, where he spent more than four decades working for both Titus-Will and Mallon Ford as both Salesman and Manager. Nelson's hobbies included fishing, golf and "tinkering"; his civic involvement included more than 50 years with the Masonic Lodge. Nelson became a member of Tacoma's Destiny Lodge in 1955, and later a member of both the Scottish Rite Order of Masons and Afifi Shrine. Nelson followed his father Niel's footsteps in becoming a KCCH "Red Cap" 32nd Degre e Mason and later an honorary 33rd degree White Cap Mason in 2001. He is survived by his wife Dottie, his sister Beverly Frick, his Son Roger, Jr. of Spokane and his daughter Cherrie Miller of Kennewick. Loving grandchildren include Gerald, Anna and Margaret Nelson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Cameron Miller of Seattle, Cory Miller of Kennewick and numerous step children and step grandchildren he loved and adored. A service of remembrance and reception will be held Saturday, January 24th at 1pm, at the Tacoma Scottish Rite Temple, 817 So. Vassault St. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Franciscan Hospice - whose team led by Erin Tate provided Roger with such lovingly precious care in his last weeks.