Richard Paul Nelson

Rick Nelson, 64, of Loveland, passed away on February 8, 2015 at his home in Loveland surrounded by his loved ones after a short battle with cancer. He was born on March 26, 1950 to Norman and Ruth (Miller) Nelson in Rochester, New York.

Rick honorably served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era as a Vietnamese Linguist. He married Phyllis (Vacek) on December 22, 1971 in Omaha, Nebraska. They moved to Colorado in 1975, where they raised their four children.

Rick worked for Kodak in Windsor, CO for twenty eight years, where he retired as a supervisor.

He proudly continued to serve our country through his continuous support of all veterans and service members. Rick strongly supported the Second Amendment and was a firearms enthusiast. Rick was passionate about sports, especially baseball. ""Papa"" loved his grandchildren and cherished watching them play sports. He also enjoyed fishing and camping with family and friends.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents and one infant son, K.C. He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis, four children; Chris (Courtney) Nelson, Ruth (Chris Payne) Nelson, Mark (Shawnda) Nelson, and Mandy Nelson, eight grandchildren; Jake, Kyle, Cody, Macie, Jess, Bennett, Cooper and Shelby, and three siblings; Gary (Karen) Nelson, Elaine (Bruce) Zeller, and Marilyn (Dr. Michael) LaCrosse and many other loved ones.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, February 12 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Rosary and visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Inurnment will be Saturday, February 14 at 12:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Rick Nelson Memorial Fund, care of Resthaven Funeral Home, 8426 S. HWY 287, Fort Collins, CO. Family and friends may view the online obituary and sign the guestbook at www.resthavencolorado.com.