Feb. 23, 1931 – March 25, 2014
Sonny M. Nelson, 83, of Sweet Home died March 25, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Feb. 23, 1931 in Oregon City to Hank and Molly (McVay) Nelson.
He was raised in Molalla and then Mill City, where he graduated from high school in 1950. His high school sweetheart, Marian King, became his wife on Aug. 20, 1950. They spent the first year in Tillamook, then moved to Mill City where they lived until 1954, when they moved to Sweet Home.
Mr. Nelson started in the timber industry as a bucker. He then bushled for Duncan and Moore, spent several years as a bullbuck for Santiam Lumber and ended his career as a logging foreman for Willamette Industries.
He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping and boating. Golf was one of his favorite pastimes. He and his wife traveled to many different states and countries after retirement and spent a three-month period each year in Palm Springs for the last 23 years.
Mr. Nelson became a member of the Sweet Home Elks Lodge the second year after it started and was also a dedicated volunteer fireman for 15 years.
He is survived by his wife Marian; daughters Linda and son-in-law Ken Postma of Cascade, Idaho, Shirley and son-in-law Jim Tack of Sweet Home, and Nancy and son-in-law Joe Brocard, also of Sweet Home; six granddaughters; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Molly Nelson; brother Don; and sister Dorothy.
A graveside service was held March 29 at Gilliland Cemetery. A Celebration of Life is planned for 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, at the Sweet Home Elks Lodge.
Because of his great love for children and dogs, Mr. Nelson’s wishes were for donations to be made in his name to St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Portland and Safe Haven Humane Society.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.