Brian Bruce Nelson passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2016, at his home in Rhododendron, Oregon. He died unexpectedly of natural causes. Brian was born in Portland, Oregon on February 28, 1945, and lived in the Sandy/Rhododendron area since age five. He is the son of Wayne and Leona Nelson, both deceased. Brian attended Bull Run Grade School, Sandy High School (graduated 1963) and San Mateo State College in California. He served in the Army’s Signal Corp during the Vietnam War from 1967 through 1970. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Oregon and worked for the phone company (GTE/Verizon) for 33 ½ years. After retiring from Verizon, he established his own low-voltage wiring business, which he operated until he finally retired.
Brian married his high school sweetheart in 1987 in Rhododendron. He is survived by his wife, Heather Louann (Wheeler), his son, Jared Samuel Nelson of Sandy, two step-sons, Paul Harrison Benshoof of Cloudcroft, New Mexico and Jason Darrell Benshoof of Carson City, Nevada, his brother, John Nelson of Goldendale, Washington, and his sister, Donna Lee Richards of Toppenish, Washington. He is the beloved grandfather of six grandchildren, Bradley (8), Ryker (3), Maria (8), Evan (6), Dylan (19) and Aaron (28). He also has three beloved daughters-in-law, Shauna Benshoof, Alexia Benshoof and Lisa Nelson. He leaves many, many friends that he considered his family, as well.
Brian was energetic, fun-loving and creative. He loved the mountain life and was an avid skier, hiker, and equestrian. He was a member of Oregon Equestrian Trails (OET-Mt. Hood chapter). He designed and built two homes in Rhododendron. He loved working with heavy equipment, and was his own general contractor when he built his second home. He had numerous other hobbies, and he always believed in accomplishing his dreams.
A Celebration of Life will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association, 710 2nd Ave #900, Seattle, WA 98104 Phone:(206) 336-7200.