Obituary of Dennis Ray Nelson

Dennis Ray Nelson Dennis Ray Nelson, 62, a resident of Olympia since 1970, passed away on April 27, 2011, from cancer. He was born December 17, 1948, in Crescent City, California, to Ernest Neil and Betty (Elston) Nelson. He married Carol Appleton on April 17, 1969. They moved to Olympia in June 1970 where Dennis served as an Olympia Firefighter for 23 years before retiring in October 1993. After discovering retirement wasn’t keeping him busy enough, he went to work for CUNA Mutual Insurance before finally retiring in 2005 to be a full time grandpa. Survivors include his wife, Carol; sons, Bradley (Amy) Nelson and Brian Nelson; mother, Betty Nelson; sisters, Pam (Dean) Downing, Eileen (Glenn) Musser, Diana (Rick) Eslinger; brother, Rex (Tina) Nelson; Uncle Buddy (Sharon) Elston; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, Neil Nelson, and father-in-law, Earl Appleton. Dennis’ great loves were his granddaughters, Alyssa, Hailey and Brenna. He spent many hours attending sporting events and school activities, and making French toast and chocolate chip pancakes. He also loved hunting, playing cribbage, camping, cooking (especially deviled eggs and potato salad), keeping his yard beautifully landscaped, and gambling. A service will be held to celebrate his life at 11:00 a.m. on May 14, 2011, at the South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or Providence Sound Home Care/ Hospice. To leave memories of Dennis or condolences for the family, please click on "View Guestbook" below.