Gary A. Nelson of Aberdeen, Washington passed away in the comfort of his home on April 7, 2022. He had just celebrated his 80th birthday the month before surrounded by friends and family.

Gary was born on March 4, 1942, in Tacoma, Washington to Eugene and Myrtle Nelson, although Gary was raised by his loving grandparents Albert and Pearl Ottosen.

Gary attended Peninsula and Wilson High School and served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard after graduation. He spent time stationed in Japan, San Diego, California and Point Grenville, Washington. He was proud of this time stationed overseas and later in life would retell stories of his tours. One of his favorite quotes was “Boats were made of wood and men were made of steel.”

After his time in the service, Gary moved to Grays Harbor, Washington where he was self-employed for 30 years. He was a general contractor and a well-respected member of his community.

Gary spent his later years traveling to sunny destinations and enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest summers fishing in Sekui, Washington with his dear friends and his devoted wife Julie Nelson. Together they spent the last 15 years in Indio, California at their winter home.

Gary loved entertaining and hosting incredible dinner parties. Cooking for family and friends was one of his greatest joys. If you were lucky enough to have a home-cooked meal prepared by Gary, you knew that you were someone special.

Gary had a larger-than-life personality. He was a devilish card player and the ultimate jokester! He enjoyed a good drink and never took himself too seriously. He lived life to the absolute fullest and loved his family and friends deeply.

Gary is survived by wife Julie Nelson, his daughters Jodi Brown (Paul) and Janet Komar (Jim), his grandchildren Jennifer Klindtworth (Eric), Danielle Kohn (Joe), Colton Komar and Jacob Brown; and his great-grandchildren Ella and Ainsley Klindtworth; and Preston, Emmett, Isabelle and Faith Kohn.

Please join the family in a celebration of life for Gary Nelson on May 1, 2022, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Huber’s Gasthause, 2312 Friendly Grove Road N.E., Olympia.