Paul Alfred Nelson left us Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, after 78 years of well-lived life. Paul was born in Colfax, the only child of loving parents and residents of Troy. He spent his childhood in Troy influenced by his multi-generational Swedish household, enjoying nature, and collecting baseball cards.
He bought a used pool table when he was 13 and learned to restore it. As a high school senior, Paul played forward on his state champion basketball team and became class valedictorian. He went on to graduate in Civil Engineering from the University of Idaho and worked the length of his 34-year career for the Washington State Department of Transportation.
It was in Spokane where he met Helen Jane Nelson and married in 1970. After a few short years in Pullman, they returned to Spokane where they raised their two children on Cannon Hill Park.
Many weekends were spent camping and fly-fishing back in Elk River and Paul’s love of Idaho stayed with him for his life. Paul married Cheryl Louise Nelson in 1988, adding two daughters to his family and one house thirsty for his expert renovation talent on Corbin Park. They started a new life together that spanned 35 years, spending his retirement repairing their home and furniture, golfing with friends, connecting with neighbors, teaching his grandchildren to play pool and volunteering at their church.
He had a kind soul and helped whomever and wherever he could. Although he recently suffered from rapidly progressive ALS and dementia, Paul never lost his strong integrity, loving kindness, and sense of humor. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his beautiful home.
Paul is survived by his ex-wife Helen Nelson and children, Angela Nelson (Andrew van Leeuwen) and Aaron Nelson, wife Cheri Nelson, and her daughters Michelle Galles (Dave) and Heidi Pratt (Silas), as well as five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julia and Alfred Nelson.
At his request and in lieu of a service, the family is planning a party to celebrate his life. Memorials may be sent to his dearly-loved Salem Lutheran Church in Spokane.
