Donald Lennard Nelson

Donald L. Nelson was born on 4-2-1929 and died peacefully in his sleep on 4-9-2025. He was the youngest of three children born to Martha and Nels Nelson. Don graduated from Lincoln High School in Seattle and attended trade school to become a machinist. He worked for Continental Can Company for over 40 years, making the equipment to produce cans and other products. He also made retro rocket parts for one of the moon missions. He enjoyed tinkering and could fix anything.

Don loved nature. He had a huge interest in birds, trees, rocks, and the weather. He grew tomatoes, berries, roses, and other flowers. He planted many trees from seeds all over his neighborhood. Don enjoyed hiking, fishing, golfing and camping. The entire family would often gather at his cabin on Mason Lake. He also enjoyed photography, coin collecting, bowling, playing pool and ping pong, and tracking weather patterns. He rooted for the Mariners and Seahawks. Upon retirement, Don enjoyed traveling. Some favorite destinations included Homer, Alaska, The California Redwoods, an overseas trip to Sweden, and many Pacific Northwest locations.

Family was very important to him. After his mom died in 1947, Don and his dad lived together until his dad’s death in 1968. Don continued residing at the family home in Wedgewood until he was 93. All three Nelson siblings and spouses lived within a few blocks of each other, so the families enjoyed many happy occasions together. Don was an excellent cook. He hosted family meals well into his later years. Some of his specialties were beef stew with dumplings, stuffed cabbage rolls, corn pudding, split pea soup, and popovers. Although he had no children of his own, Don was a beloved uncle to his five nephews and their children and grandchildren. He was proud of his Swedish heritage and stayed in touch with extended family in Lund and Malmo, Sweden.

Don was preceded in death by parents, Nels and Martha Nelson, brother Lawren (Erma) Nelson, sister June (Roy) Johnson, and nephew Glenn Johnson. He is survived by four nephews: Ken (Rolleen) Nelson, Les (MaryJane) Nelson, Bruce (Sue) Johnson, and Vern Johnson; and five grand nephews and nieces: Eric (Yzabel) Nelson, Carmen (Robby) Nelson-Moore, Maureen (Alex) Gulczynski, Jeannie Gillespie, and Brian (Jessica) Johnson.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale of Silver Lake, whose loving care made a real difference in the quality of the last three years of Don’s life. Don was a kindhearted and gentle man with a subtle sense of humor. He lived life fully for 96 years. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In recognition of Don’s lifetime love of birds and nature, remembrances can be made in his name to The National Audubon Society.

Graveside Inurnment at Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home on 4-29-2025 at 12:00pm 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155

Celebration of Life immediately following at 2:30 pm Bruce and Sue Johnson’s home 1406 Grand Ave, Everett, WA 98201