Paul Nelson

Paul Everett Nelson, was born Feb 27, 1942, to Oscar and Connie (Constant) Nelson and passed away on Sunday, April 17 after a battle with cancer.

Paul is survived by his wife of 22 years, Gail (McCombs) and sons Rodney (Letha) of Ferndale and James (Connie) of Bellingham, grandsons Andrew (Amber), Josiah (Allison), and Ryen (Courtney) Nelson.

Paul’s life was enriched by his extended family and many dear friends.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Nancy Thorsen and late wife Linda S. Nelson.

Paul was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the US Army, awarded the Purple Heart for bravery after being nearly fatally wounded during combat.

Paul was awarded a lifetime membership to the VFW, the Bellingham post #1585 and provided horses for many veterans’ therapy sessions and rides. 

 As a lifelong resident of Whatcom County, he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed much of what living in the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Paul spent his early years as a machinist at the Columbia Cement Company in Bellingham and completed his career as a foreman in the machine shop at the Cherry Point BP Refinery.

After retiring in 2005, Paul and Gail enjoyed traveling and working with their rare breed of draft horses.

Starting with Gail’s five Percherons when they married, and later transitioning to North American Spotted Drafts (black and white paints in color). 

They were one of only two six horse hitches of this breed showing in the classic six series in North America.

Our horse show crew became family, and we shared many adventures at shows in Canada, California, and Utah.

Paul was a storyteller and was often in the Pioneer Village barn surrounded by a group of eager listeners while sharing the horses via Wagon Rides.

Paul and Gail were members of the Ferndale Heritage Society. Paul served on the board for many years and spent hours volunteering at Pioneer Park/village lending his expertise to maintain the cabins and supporting the many events.

There will be a celebration of Paul’s life at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at the Deming Logging Show Museum, 3295 Cedarville Road, Bellingham.

Memorials may be made to the Ferndale Heritage Society, ferndaleheritagesociety.com or Veterans of Foreign Wars VFW post #1585, 360-734-5520. 

Please share your thoughts and memories of Paul online at, www.sigsfuneralservices.com.