Skip Nelson

Arvid “Skip” Norman Nelson, age 75, passed away in Bellingham on March 1, 2023, with his two daughters and the family dog by his side.

He was born April 6, 1947 in Great Falls, Montana to Kaare and Hazel Nelson. After graduating Great Falls High School, he was drafted into the US Army and was fortunate to survive combat in Vietnam. He served in the 4th Infantry Division and was a 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagle” at the battle of Dak To. He earned a combat medal and two service medals for over 200 air drops in the Vietnam War. After returning home, he worked as a career railroad employee with Burlington Northern.

Skip enjoyed golfing, fishing, and attending his grandson Bryce’s baseball games. In earlier years he was a Golden Glove boxer. Skip was preceded in death by his parents Kaare and Hazel, brother Laird, and sister Korene. He is survived by his two daughters, Tina Nelson (husband Tom Manibusan) and Teri Nelson (husband Stacy Prineas), grandchildren Briley Robison (wife Tayler), Joslyn Kinley (husband Sebastian), and Bryce Manibusan, great-grandchildren Taidence, MaCauley, Khyler, and Lola, Teri’s stepdaughters Chanel Prineas and Hali Prineas, nephew KC Hungate, niece Karlyn Hungate, former wife Patricia Campbell, and many loving relatives and friends.

Services will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023. There will be a 10 AM graveside service with military honors at Enterprise Cemetery in Ferndale, followed by a 11 AM Celebration of Life Service with reception at Westford Funeral Home, 1301 Broadway St. Bellingham.