Randall Alan Nelson

September 25, 1945 to July 2, 2021 – Randall Alan Nelson, age 75, long time Bellevue,WA resident, passed away on July 2, 2021. Randy was born in Peoria, Illinois on September 25, 1945, to parents Fred J. Nelson, Sr. and Louise Temple Nelson. He enjoyed growing up in Peoria with his older siblings Jack and Marilyn, playing many sports, baking with his mother, and striving to catch the biggest fish on his family’s summer visit to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Hardworking and loyal, Randy was a strong athlete and quick at math like his parents. He played football at Illinois Wesleyan University, graduating in 1967, and achieved a Master’s degree from Southern Illinois University. As a four-year letterman in football, he was honored with the “Order of the Titans” award for his leadership and contributions.

Randy’s love of forestry began during college, when a hopeful letter landed him a summer job with the railroad in Montana. After completing officer’s candidate school and serving in the Army in Vietnam as a 1st Lieutenant in 1971, Randy resumed his work in the timber industry. He moved to Kalispel, MT in 1972 and then Seattle in 1973 with Plum Creek Timber, for whom he worked in timber sales and as a manager of export log yards until his retirement in 2003.

Family, athletics and the outdoors were cornerstones of Randy’s life. He was a devoted fan at athletic events of his children and grandchildren, all of whom carry on his legacy of participation and enjoyment of sports. Randy took dozens of trips to national parks, most frequently to Grand Teton, Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain national parks, and instilled his love of travel in his children. His camera was never far away as he chronicled his adventures and his family. Randy was a discerning collector of many items such as antique clocks, music boxes, sports memorabilia, coins from across the decades, wildlife art and duck decoys. Excellent at correspondence, he built many lasting friendships through his appreciation of artists’ work and playing fantasy football with former colleagues.

Randy is warmly remembered by his children Ron (Katherine Cheng) Nelson, Jason (Martina) Nelson, and Jeanette (Shannon) Blankenship; grandchildren Zachary, Jacob, Alex, Alyssa, Ryan and Julia; his former wife Barbara White; and many nieces and nephews. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack and sister Marilyn.

Randy is buried at Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home. Donations can be made to organizations that support some of Randy’s most frequented locations, such as the National Park Foundation or the King County Library System Foundation. Or, plant a tree in Randy’s memory.