Neil "Bud" Sanford Nelson

Neil “Bud” Sanford Nelson, born on December 14th 1931, passed away on October 18th, 2024, in his home surrounded by family, after a 12 year journey with Parkinson’s Disease. 

Bud leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly, including his wife of 62 years Elsie L. Nelson (Westman); children Sherri Coe, Brian Nelson (Kim Hurst), sisters Sandra Miller (Gary), and Judy Tinnel; grandchildren Kelsi Pulve (Terence Klein), Kyler Pulve, Kadin Pulve (Kelsey Maloy), Andrew Coe, Victoria Coe, Alexa Tew (Kyle), Zack Hurst (Karena), Josh Hurst (Haylee), Mike Hurst (Sarah) and 17 great grandchildren, with one due April of 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Evelyn Nelson; Borghild and Fred Williams; brothers Hugh Nelson, Ron, Fred, and Ray Williams; sister Janet Nelson and great grandchildren Kashton Pulve and Eleanor Hurst.

Bud proudly served as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After his time in service, he met his wife Elsie, and they were married on October 13, 1962. Over their 62 years together, they enjoyed traveling, entertaining friends, and creating memories and traditions with their family. One special tradition was Bud's famous buttermilk pancakes on Christmas morning.

Bud dedicated three decades of his life to the Burlington Northern Railroad, working as a carman. After retirement, Bud embraced the outdoors, he enjoyed camping, hunting, tending to his garden, and tinkering around the house. He also found great joy in fishing, especially at lakes throughout British Columbia and took time to tie his own flies. Family get-togethers and the holidays were dear to Bud.

Bud's life was one of dedication, whether to his family, his country, or the great outdoors. He’ll live on in the hearts of those who knew him and through the stories and memories they share. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Eden Home Care, and his care giver’s Esther, Renee and Katie, as well as Eden Hospice, his nurse Lynn, chaplain Todd and the rest of Bud’s care team.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bud’s name to Eden Health Hospice of Whatcom County, 316 E. McLeod Rd. Suite 104, Bellingham, WA 98226, or the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation- https://nwpf.org/.