Final Salute

Donald Robert Nelson
October 23, 1942 – November 25, 2021
After a lengthy, brave battle with Cancer, Don Nelson, passed away peacefully in his sleep in San Francisco, Ca., on November 25th, 2021, at the age of 79.
Don was born in San Francisco on October 23, 1942, at St Mary’s hospital to his parents, Walter Stanley Nelson Sr. and Ella Caroline Nelson. He was the youngest of five children: Walter, Richard, Bobby, and Carol.
Don grew up in S.F. in the Portola district and graduated from Balboa High School in June of 1960. One claim to fame during his Balboa years was being selected as one of nine students from all over San Francisco to participate in the relay of the Winter Olympic Flame which they carried from the Ferry Building to City Hall.
In August of 1962, Don enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve, where he served his Country in Guam for 18 months as a Seabee until he returned home and was honorably discharged in May of 1964.
Upon his return, he worked for PG&E for two years, before shifting his focus to become a Stationary Engineer at Local 39 of the International Union of Operating Engineers until his retirement in 2005.
Don was an independent man who lived his entire life in San Francisco and strived to fulfill his passion; Fly Fishing in the greatest spots in the world. He was able to achieve that goal multiple times a year for many years. His favorite fishing locations were in New Zealand and British Columbia.
When he wasn’t fishing, Don enjoyed golfing, as well and watching his favorite Bay Area sports teams. He was a huge Warriors, Niners, and Giants’ fan and definitely could be described as an avid sportsman.
Don was loved and respected by his family, many of whom were able to spend precious time with him in his final days. There is peace in knowing that he lived and died the way he chose, on his terms.
He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Don wishes were not to hold a service, but instead, a two day public viewing. The viewings will be held at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City on Sunday, December 5th 2021, from 3pm to 7pm, and Monday, December 6th, 2021, from 10am to 1pm followed by the burial at Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Colma.