David Lee Nelson

David Lee Nelson, 85, known to some as Lee, passed away on July 7th, 2023, at 6:01pm in his Ferndale, Washington home with family present.

Dave was born in Lynden, Washington to HD and Erline Nelson on April 18th, 1938. He was predeceased by his parents and also his sister, Lynne Ferrell. He married E. Jean (McAlpine) Nelson on March 13th, 1959 in the Ferndale United Methodist church. Dave and Jean met at Ferndale Jr. high school and graduated from Ferndale High School in 1956 and 1958 respectively. They enjoyed many years of round, square and clog dancing together around the PNW and Canada.

Dave served in the United States Navy on active duty from August 31st, 1956 to August 30th, 1960 and was honorably discharged as an SOA3 stationed in Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 4. He served on the USS Princeton and the USS Yorktown. He worked for Intalco and New York Life for most of the rest of his career.

Dave loved the Lord, was strong in his faith, and was active in Bellingham Covenant church. He also loved cars, especially the 57 Chevy Bel Air and Chevy trucks but his baby was his Green 1968 Plymouth Fury III Convertible. His car will be displayed at the WCCA fall car show September 4th, 2023 at Cedars RV park on Portal Way from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

Dave is survived by his wife Jean Nelson of Ferndale; his sons Ken (wife Michele) of Bremerton, Steve (wife Juli) of Ferndale, and Rob of Ferndale; his nieces Leslie of Ravensdale, and Kim of LeClede, Idaho, and a slew of nieces/ nephews of the McAlpine Clan; his grandkids Mindy, Jennifer, Ashley, and Josh; his G-grands Korbyn, Adelyn, and Jaxon; and four GG-grands. Dave was one of the greatest of all the Nelson talkers and could tell stories to whomever would listen at length. Quoting one of his grandkids "You were the most compassionate, high energy, piano jamming, Sunday church singing, stellar dancer, classic car expert, sober over 40 years, married for 64 years, treasure giving, fort making super hero of a grandpa." He was active in Alcoholics Anonymous and was sober for the last 46 years 8 months and 22 days of his life.

Thank you to the Eden Hospice Nurses for their care in his final days. Instead of flowers, donations to Lighthouse Mission Ministries, (910 W. Holly St, B'ham,WA 98225); Eden Hospice, (316 E. McLeod R., Ste. 101,B'ham, WA 98226); B'ham Covenant Church, (1530 E. Bakerview Rd., B'ham, WA 98226); or charity of choice.