Obituary for John Robert Nelson
John “Jack” Robert Nelson of Tacoma, Washington, passed away on January 7th, 2019
surrounded by family. He was born October 26, 1941 to Milton and Ruth Nelson.
Jack graduated from Puyallup High School in 1959, where he met his high school sweetheart and love of his life Patricia M. Harader.
On November 11th, 1960 Jack and Pat married and began what would become a lifelong journey, spanning over 58 years filled with love and happiness. Weekend ski trips, riding jet skis at the Gorge, garage sales and what seemed to be an endless list of honey do’s.
Family was everything to Jack. At the center were his three sons, boy did they keep him busy! Jack was often the neighborhood chauffeur providing rides not only to his boys but to any neighborhood kids in need.
Jack looked at his friends as extended family. If you ever needed a hand, Jack was ready and willing to help.
Hunting and fishing were just a few of Jack’s passions that he shared with his father, so it seemed only natural to do the same with his sons.
He was a member of The United Association of Plumbers Local 26. In 1965 Jack represented the state of Washington, in the National Apprenticeship contest at Purdue University, finishing 3rd in the nation.
Jack’s reputation for mastering the most complex projects, gave him the opportunity to manage large jobs from L.A. to Boston. Jack embraced the challenges presented to him, furthering his career and earning the much-deserved respect from his peers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Judy Elvins and son John Robert Jr. He is survived by his wife Patricia, sons Mike and Steve (Fiona), 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Pioneer Park Pavilion, 330 S. Meridian Puyallup, WA 98371, from 1pm-4pm on Sunday February 24th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America at www.dementia.org (1-800-336-3684)
surrounded by family. He was born October 26, 1941 to Milton and Ruth Nelson.
Jack graduated from Puyallup High School in 1959, where he met his high school sweetheart and love of his life Patricia M. Harader.
On November 11th, 1960 Jack and Pat married and began what would become a lifelong journey, spanning over 58 years filled with love and happiness. Weekend ski trips, riding jet skis at the Gorge, garage sales and what seemed to be an endless list of honey do’s.
Family was everything to Jack. At the center were his three sons, boy did they keep him busy! Jack was often the neighborhood chauffeur providing rides not only to his boys but to any neighborhood kids in need.
Jack looked at his friends as extended family. If you ever needed a hand, Jack was ready and willing to help.
Hunting and fishing were just a few of Jack’s passions that he shared with his father, so it seemed only natural to do the same with his sons.
He was a member of The United Association of Plumbers Local 26. In 1965 Jack represented the state of Washington, in the National Apprenticeship contest at Purdue University, finishing 3rd in the nation.
Jack’s reputation for mastering the most complex projects, gave him the opportunity to manage large jobs from L.A. to Boston. Jack embraced the challenges presented to him, furthering his career and earning the much-deserved respect from his peers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Judy Elvins and son John Robert Jr. He is survived by his wife Patricia, sons Mike and Steve (Fiona), 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Pioneer Park Pavilion, 330 S. Meridian Puyallup, WA 98371, from 1pm-4pm on Sunday February 24th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America at www.dementia.org (1-800-336-3684)