Robert Alan Nelson

He was born on October 2nd, 1956, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Robert Kay Nelson and Carol Goldwater. Named after his father he often went by Bob or Bobby.

Bob is survived by his loving son, Christopher (Allison) and by his mother, Carol Goldwater Nelson. He was a grandfather to Daisy, Topher, Cooper, Chase, Logan and Alexis. He was the second brother to Danny (Deanne), Susan (Kim), Craig (Kathy), and Rusty (Michelle).

Raised in Layton Utah, he attended and graduated from Layton High School. His thirst for knowledge, and desire for a better life, led him to pursue a bachelor's degree from Weber State University, where he honed his skills as a Design/Mechanical Engineer. He moved to Colorado Springs where he got a job as an engineer but later found his calling with Boeing, where he worked in many groups including landing gear and ship-side support as an engineer. He retired from Boeing having made many contributions to the aviation industry.

Bob's life was marked by various passions, yet it is important to acknowledge that he was not without challenges. Characterized by an unyielding will and unwavering determination, he was not always easy to handle, yet his passions, organization, and interests remained steadfast. His multifaceted personality rendered him a truly unique individual, leaving an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. The choice was left to each individual as to how they viewed him, his strengths and his weaknesses.

Growing up, Bob learned the value of self-reliance, a lesson that stayed with him throughout his life. Gardening became his outlet for nurturing and providing for his family, instilling the same principles in his children. Spring, summer, and fall were consumed with weeding, watering, and reaping the fruits of his labor, a reflection of his dedication to creating a thriving home environment.

When it came to relaxing and rejuvenation, Bob found solace in nature's embrace through camping and fishing. Rarely did he opt for resort type relaxation; instead, he sought the rugged charm of the outdoors. Hunting trips, fishing cruises, and camping adventures became his preferred methods of vacationing, allowing him to immerse himself in the beauty of the natural world.

Bob's love for fishing extended beyond the local area, as he frequented the numerous lakes in Washington, traversed the puget sound, frequenting the San Juan Islands and taking fishing cruises to Canada in hopes of landing a big one. The love for the sea was palpable, evident in his adventures of crabbing, shrimping and fishing in the picturesque waters of the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound, he cherished regular trips to the coast, where clamming became an enjoyable ritual, and voyages to the Columbia River were taken in pursuit of Sturgeon. Fishing had been his lifelong passion, dating back to his early years when he learned to fish in the mountain streams and lakes of Utah. He planned his entire year based on what was in season, he volunteered at the rod and reel club as treasurer and made friends with many people in the bellingham yacht club. This love for the craft was one that he passed down, teaching his son and grandsons the art of fishing, creating cherished memories with each shared moment.

Bob was a man of many talents, finding creative outlets in cooking, painting, card making, and leather working. Cooking was one of his ways of showing love and care to family and friends. As kids, we were always intrigued by the mystery of "daddy's surprise" whenever he prepared something “special”. He regularly prepared and delivered meals to the local fire station, showing appreciation for firefighters. His regular service touched the lives of those of whom would eventually come to provide care in his home. His culinary prowess was admired by others, especially when he cooked up mouthwatering corn on the cob, often times other residents wanted to order it off the menu but was not available. Artistry flowed through his veins, evident in one of his paintings that proudly adorned the mantle of his parents' house for many years and is likely featured in the background of countless family photographs. Beyond the canvas, his passion for card making brought joy to many residents who eagerly participated in his bi-monthly classes. Moreover, he lent his talent to craft custom cards for those in need of a special touch, and the proceeds from this endeavor fueled his creative passion.

At an early age Bob earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He continued his love and passion for the Boy Scouts of America. As a leader Bob believed in the transformative power of scouting, aiming to instill values, character, and essential life skills. He dedicated countless hours to organizing and participating in scout activities, providing mentorship to countless scouts and helping them grow into responsible and confident individuals.

His faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints guided him throughout his early life. While, for a time, he stopped attending, his viewpoint on life was greatly influenced by his beliefs. It was in his nature to volunteer, including various church callings. After years of not attending, he returned and offered his time and attention to the service of others. As a young man he served as a missionary in the Philippines, where he selflessly assisted those in need. For a time while active in his church community, Bob served with the young men's group, taking on various leadership roles and offering his time, wisdom, and support. He understood the importance of guiding and shaping the next generation, and he took this responsibility to heart. Bob's hard line approach with the youth would hold them to the highest standard.

Though he battled health issues, Bob remained resilient, never letting his condition define him. His deep affection for his grandchildren fueled a drive to be present and involved in their lives. He made a concerted effort to attend their games, knowing that his cheering from the sidelines meant the world to them. His pride in their accomplishments knew no limits. Among his many desires, he desired to have a better relationship with his granddaughter Daisy, but distance and health kept him from being more involved. He openly admitted that he didn't know Daisy as well as he would have liked, and he struggled with knowing how to act or what to say during their interactions.

In the face of adversity, his determination to be an active and engaged grandfather gave him hope. His grandchildren were a source of joy and inspiration, offering moments of respite and happiness amidst his struggles. Attending their baseball games brought him immeasurable happiness, and his beaming smile as he watched them play was a testament to the love and pride, he held for each of them. He would regularly reach out asking to have them come over for ice cream, swim in his pool, play pool or ride on his scooter, and regularly had a hidden bag of goodies in his pocket.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held in Utah on his birthday, October 2nd, 2023. Friends, family, and acquaintances are invited to pay their respects and share cherished memories of a remarkable man who lived life to the fullest.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Boy Scouts of America, an organization close to Bob's heart.

Though Bob is no longer physically with us, his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched. May he rest in eternal peace, and may his spirit continue to inspire and guide us all.