Arnold B. Nations passed away at his home on Jan. 24, 2017, at the age of 78. He was born on Oct. 15, 1938, at his grandparent’s house on Barkers Creek near the town of Sylva, N.C. He was born to Grady and Myrtle (Dills) Nations. Arnold grew up the youngest of seven children, with three older brothers and three older sisters. He and his family moved to Darrington, Wash. in 1952. He completed ninth grade before beginning work at the local Plywood mill. During his time as a teenager, he enjoyed hanging out with his brothers and cousins hunting and fishing in the nearby mountains and rivers.

On Nov. 6, 1959, Arnold married Kathryn Lock at the Methodist Church in Darrington. They had two sons, Eric, born Feb. 25, 1962 and Kevin, born on March 5, 1966.

He worked in plywood mills in Bend, Ore. and then Tacoma, where he chose to further his education. Arnold went Clover Park Technical College where he graduated with his high school diploma and an Electronic Technicians degree in 1967. He then went on to obtain a Technical Arts Degree from Tacoma Community College in 1969.

Arnold worked for Boeing for five and a half years in Renton and Everett, Wash. Arnold and his family moved back to Darrington in 1969, where he began his career as a Timber Faller. He started his career cutting old growth timber in the mountains around Darrington. In 1972, he relocated his family to Hoquiam, Wash. where he continued working as a Timber Faller. By the end of his career, Arnold was known throughout the timber industry for his highly skilled ability of falling old growth timber. At the age of 55, Arnold bought a self-loading log truck that he operated until his retirement.

In his retirement, Arnold enjoyed doing various activities with his children and grandchildren. He rarely missed any of his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. He especially enjoyed spending time at the 1-5 Quarter-Midget race track in Elma, Wash., where he was part of his grandson’s pit-crew.

He was preceded in death by parents, Grady and Myrtle (Dills) Nations, brother RL Nations, and sisters, Sue and Lucille.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathryn, son Eric (Jeanne) Nations, their children Allison Ellingsen (Aaron Failor), Ryan (Selena) Ellingsen and their son Ethan Ellingsen, son Kevin (Paula) Nations, and their children Kyle, Heather and Brittany Nations, sister Freda Clement of Lenoir, N.C., brother Elzie (Linda) Nations of Aberdeen, Wash., and brother Lester Nations of Darrington, Wash.

Arnold was a very hard working man and had a heart of gold. He was a very beloved husband, father and grandfather, and was well liked by all who knew him.

There will be a celebration of life on March 26, 2017, at the Hoquiam Elks, 624 K St., Hoquiam, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.