Don will be greatly missed he used to fish with me in bc Canada when I had Capt hook sportfishing we had more darn fun and he always cooked some awesome meals and he and the boys always brought amazing laughs and true life memories he was a true dear friend! He'll be catching some really nice big fish now in the big water cheers to the life of an amazing person! He'll be missed on the salty 
chuck

My father-in-law , Jerry Brickey,  asked me to post these pictures. He has assured me the picture of HIMSELF with the fish is a tribute  to Don, and not a chance to show off ;) 
Jerry avoids sharing if he can  and I asked if there was a story or anything I could put and he gave me the typical “I don’t know” response he does. And that’s what we appreciated about Don and his friendship with Jerry. Don was patient and kind and didn’t see Jerry for his disability, just saw him as a fellow fishing, tie flying enthusiast. He didn’t let Jerry stop at “I don’t know” and gave him the time he needed to really get a thought out. Don helped Jerry have experiences he wouldn’t have had otherwise. He was a true friend and  we are all grateful for Don’s presence in Jerry’s life. 

Don was a friend to all who visited River City Fly Shop, and treated everyone with a good dose of humor, respect and compassion.  Thanks for all the tying materials, memories, good times, discussions and personal interest in each of our lives.  We will miss you greatly and see you again in eternity. 

Don was the guy we all like to think we are.

Don was not only a brother-in-law he was a true friend.  I have so many fond memories of fly fishing in Oregon with him when the fly got stuck in my neck and he asked what happened and I said “ not good”  he used that on me over the years. I was lucky enough to go fishing with him In Yakutat three times with all the bear and moose stories let alone the fishing.  I remember he told us all to watch for old railroad items sticking out of the river bead, and no sooner had he told us he tripped and his waders filled up with ice cold water.  We drug him out of the water as Hypothermia was setting in and my other Brother-in-law Steve gave him our outer layer of clothes to keep him warm on the boat ride back to the boat launch and drive back to the lodge.  Before Bob the guide and Don left, Bob through a shotgun at me and said if a bear attacks , wait till he gets real close and shoot him in the mouth and they took off.  Luckily both of them came back after a few hours but do you think I fished!!!  What a great man, grandfather, father and true friend .

Friend , Mentor and Fellow Brother and Veteran. Don helped me as a new fly fisherman got to know him very well as the years gone on , Beth and I hit his shop after coffee next to him on our first date ! We will surely miss him , kind generous and a Big hearted Man , Always told story’s and had Me laugh , Bellie style as he went on .I will Miss him dearly . 

What can I say about Don - everything that is Kind and Generous and Good.  Not one trip to River City went by that he didn’t mention his family. And of course throw in a generous freebie with my purchase.  All of us in the Don Nelson Fan Club (and there are many) send our prayers to his family and especially to his beloved wife, Evelyn. 
God comfort you each and every day.
Susan Grimes, StoneflyMaidens 

All of us in the local fly fishing community, especially those of us in the Portland/Vancouver Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Program have been honored to have Don as a friend.  More than that he was a generous benefactor to the Program and the veterans we serve.   We will remember him always and miss him dearly.  I am proud to have called him my friend. 

OBITUARY

Donald Orville Nelson

April 3, 1944 – May 25, 2022

Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary & Sunset Hills Memorial Park

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