Richard Lee Nelson

January 24, 1937 - October 28, 2016

We lost a great man, Richard "Rick" Lee Nelson, of Shady Cove, Ore. October 28, 2016. He was born January 24, 1937, in Kansas City, Kans., to Vernon and Maxine Nelson. He grew up in San Diego, Calif. where he also raised his three children, Gene, Don, and Debbie.

Rick moved to the Bay area in 1989, where he met and married his wife, Sheila. They were married July 25, 1992, when he also took on the role of step-dad to her five daughters, Melanie, Stephanie, Kimberley, Choralie, and Nikkelley.

His family grew to include 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was truly loved by all, and was the only grandpa many of them knew.

In 1993, Rick and Sheila moved to southern Oregon and then Shady Cove where they have lived for the past 21 years. Rick loved to take care of his wife and their large family. His favorite things to do were to go to auctions and bingo, where he loved to socialize. He had a lot of friends at both, and throughout the area. He touched so many by his presence alone.

His son, Don said, "The most important thing I want everyone to know about him is that he would give anyone the time of day. He would drop anything, no matter who they were, to listen to them and/or offer help if they needed it. He would try to give work to anyone who asked, and if he didn't have any work he would give him $20 until he could find work for him."

The love he shared with people extended to animals. He loved his dogs, Megan, Toby, and Chester. Unfortunately, it was Rick's love for his dog Megan, who had been hit by a car, that lead to his death. He was trying to help her, when he was hit by a car.

Rick was loved by so many people. We know he is watching us all from above, from his lovely wife to two more great-grandbabies, yet to be born.

Contributions in memory of Rick Nelson may be made to Angel Fund at All Creatures, call 541-830-5613. A gofundme page has also been setup to help with funeral expenses, gofundme.com/richardnelsonmemory.