Dennis Ray Nelson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend went peacefully to be with the Lord on Sept. 21, 2009.

He died at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with his family by his side. Words cannot express how much he will be missed.

Dennis was born in Minot, N.D. on December 16, 1941. He grew up in Seattle and served in the U.S. Army doing a tour of duty in Korea.

He was married to Suzanne (Sue) and had four children; Mitch (wife Tami), Lisa (husband Doug), Marc (wife Lori) and Scott (wife Lisa). He had nine grandchildren; Sydney, Jessica, Jacob, Payton, Joshua, Andrew, Kate, Julia and Luke.

Dennis and family moved to Whidbey Island in August of 1980 and settled in Coupeville. Dennis was loved by all who knew him. You always remembered him by his contagious smile. He was a hard worker, loved to garden, build and watch sports of all kinds, especially football. A mentor to many, Dennis was always ready to help those in need.

Dennis was a faithful member of Coupeville Community Bible Church and loved the Lord dearly.

Dennis was a wonderful husband, a great father and the best friend anyone could ever ask for. We grieve because we will miss him, but we are thankful he is no longer in pain and is at peace with the Lord. We will miss him very much, but our loss is heaven’s gain, as we will all be reunited someday.

We will love him forever.

Memorials can be made to CCBC Missions Fund and sent to 502 NE Otis St., Coupeville, WA 98239.

Please join us on Saturday October 3, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Coupeville Middle School gymnasium to celebrate his life. Arrangements entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, where friends and family may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register and leave messages for the immediate family.