Ralph Charles Nelson

Ralph “Hap” Nelson passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on February 19, 2014 at the age of 86. Hap was a beloved husband of 60 years to wife Charlene Nelson “Eck.” A Loving father to three children, Bill, Denyse, and Debbie. And a devoted grandfather to ten grandchildren, Mandy, Randi, Michael, Alex, Michelle, Matthew, Lindsay, David, Melissa, Leslie and great grandchild Leila. Hap was born and raised in Manistique, Michigan until 1960 where he moved his family to San Jose, California. He had an eventful career with General Motors where he would later retire. He was given the nickname Hap short for “happy” best to describe his charismatic personality. Hap had a love for music and enjoyed playing his guitar and accordion at family gatherings. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a man of many talents and loved the simple things in life. Hap was a great man, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, father-n-law, and friend. His legacy will continue to live on through the lives he has touched. He will be truly missed but never forgotten. Visitation was held Friday, February 28, 2014 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara, California. Funeral Service was at 1:30 pm at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary. Entombment followed at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.