Richard Woodland Nelson, age 93, of Mesa, AZ passed away on Saturday Feb. 5, 2011 in Mesa AZ. Richard was born January 14, 1918 in Richmond, Utah to Nephi Knute Nelson and Emily Woodland. Most of his life was spent in Fremont, CA where he and his wife of 61 years, Marjorie, raised their four children. He was a great father to his children, Glenn (Christine) Nelson of Mesa, AZ, Greg Nelson, Sherie (Hank) Tillman of Fremont, CA and Jay (Cheryl) Nelson of Dillon, MT. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marjorie, loving son Greg and four brothers and two sisters. He leaves a legacy of service to others and was a great example to his family. He had a love of the outdoors that he passed on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his country and served in the Navy during World War II on a destroyer in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. He will be greatly missed by his children, 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren whom he loved very much. A graveside service will be held in Dillon, MT on February 12, 2011 at 11 AM.
