A man who wore many hats and not just because had a collection of them. He was the son of Everett and Dorothy Nelsen, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend to many.
When I reflect on a Kris’s life, I do so from my own memories, my own perspective, my own point of view and my time spent with him. What I would like to do is to urge all of you who knew him to reflect on your own personal stash of memories and your time spent with him.
Kris’s life and indeed anyone’s life, is a complex and rich tapestry of deeds, events, accomplishments and experiences that are not completely known to anyone.
If we could somehow combine all of our interactions and memories of him in one vast pool, only then would we be able to understand and appreciate the entirety of his, or for that matter, anyone’s life.
My own collection of memories of Kris begins with growing up on Long Point Manor, just outside of Coupeville, WA, Oak Harbor came next, followed by Penn Cove along with the Blue Fox Drive-in Theatre and the first motorcycles, a job at Sears, strawberry picking and driving pea viners in Skagit Valley, the Roller Barn in OH, dances in Burlington and at the Holiday Ballroom, and the often traveled road between OH and Anacortes. Bellingham, WWSC, the Vietnam War, reef netting on Lummi Island.
Next came Seattle, parking cars at University Chevrolet, the Tri-Cities in a futile attempt to make a small fortune loading boxcars with potatoes, Seattle again making table legs, under the Fremont Bridge at Totem Woodworks, on to Boulder, Co. to work doing remodeling and then on to Los Angeles and school at Pasadena Community College.
Finally, he moved to Bishop, Ca where he married his first wife, Justine, and where his son, Mike was born. In Bishop, he spent a short stint in the building trades, a long career as a Police officer, later as a Security Officer at the local hospital and in his spare time, he wrote some articles for some of the local historical organizations.
During this time Kris married his wife, Debbie and was blessed with his two grand-daughters Colleen and Gracie Mae. Bishop is where he lived until his passing just a couple of days ago.
And so, I would like to tip my hat to our Big Brother and encourage you to spend a few moments reflecting on his life and any time you spent with him and to enjoy those memories.
Kris was preceded in death by his parents, Everett O. Nelsen and Dorothy M. Nelsen. He is survived by his wife Debbie Nelsen, his son Michael Nelsen, his two lovely and beloved granddaughters Colleen and Gracie Mae, and two brothers Tim Nelsen of Vashon Island, WA and Jeff Nelsen of Oak Harbor, WA.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
