Gary James Nelson was born on April 9, 1941, in Bellingham. He passed away on Nov. 10, 2015, in Roseville, California.
Gary spent five years at the Lynden Elementary School, and then his family moved to Hopewell and he attended Everson Elementary School and went on to graduate from Nooksack Valley High School in 1959. In 1960, he entered the U.S. Army and served until 1964. Once he was released from the Army he moved to Sacramento, California, met the love of his life, Barbara; upon his death they had been married for 51 years. They had two children, Tammy and David. Gary also had six stepchildren that he raised as if they were his own: Tommy, Vicki, Bobby, Jimmy, Michelle and Michael.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Ellen Pierce; father Alvin James Nelson; sister Gloria Ruth Nelson; and stepson Michael.
Gary started working in the wholesale grocery business, first as warehouse foreman for many years and then driving a tractor-trailer combination until the company went out of business. He then went to work hauling U.S. mail to post offices in the Sacramento region. After 40 years of driving between the companies, he retired. He never took a sick day during his working life.
He leaves behind his siblings, his oldest brother Gale (Cheryl) Nelson of Lisbon, Wisconsin, brother Glen (Judy) Nelson of Sacramento, sister Gaye (Charly) Green of Fresno, California, and Pine Dale, Wyoming, and his youngest sister, Greta (Mitch) Muscutt, of Everson.
For enjoyment, his favorite pastime in life was golf, which at one time he played three days a week. He also enjoyed bowling.
A celebration of life was held on Nov. 17, 2015, at Sierra Hills Memorial Park and East Lawn Mortuary in Sacramento. A cremation preceded the service.
Donations may be made in Gary’s name to your local American Cancer Society.
