Dr. W.B. “Skip” Nelson
Dr. W.B. “Skip” Nelson
Age 74
Passed away 2/18/2014. Survived by his child bride of 38 years, Rosemary Nelson, and his sons Craig (Sheri), Scott, and Patrick Nelson, and his daughter Kirsten Mohan and his very beloved grandchildren Joely Nelson, Sacha Mohan, and Julian Mohan. Born 2/20/1939 in Chicago, he lived a vibrant and adventurous life as a sailor, musician, veterinarian and colonel in the Army reserve, in which he served for 34 years. His sense of humor and gregarious nature were catalyst to so many of the relationships and adventures he had. His presence and vitality will be missed by many.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Juanita Community Club at 2pm, Saturday 2/22/2014. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Woodland Park Zoo Elephant or Tiger programs. Internment to be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on 3/7/14, please contact the family for details.
7 Responses to “Dr. W.B. “Skip” Nelson”
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kip was the only man in the world that could have “Wheels on the bus go round and round” in his minivan disc changer and still be the coolest guy ever. I remember Pat and I were borrowing the van and looking through the CDs and came across this gem. You’re damn right we listened to it. He was always so calm and patient and if you know Pat & I, most parents wouldn’t have been with us. I loved his humor, his stories and most of all, his passion for life in general. I would go over to their house and would never be surprised at what adventure he would be diving into next. One day a scooter, the next time a sail boat. Dear Skip, thank you for loving me and putting up with me and for all that you taught me even when you might not have known that I was learning from you. I will miss you dearly and can’t wait to see you again. I love you and will do my best to keep an eye on the family. Cheers to you and all that you did!!!!
Skip was the only man in the world that could have “Wheels on the bus go round and round” in his minivan disc changer and still be the coolest guy ever. I remember Pat and I were borrowing the van and looking through the CDs and came across this gem. You’re damn right we listened to it. He was always so calm and patient and if you know Pat & I, most parents wouldn’t have been with us. I loved his humor, his stories and most of all, his passion for life in general. I would go over to their house and would never be surprised at what adventure he would be diving into next. One day a scooter, the next time a sail boat. Dear Skip, thank you for loving me and putting up with me and for all that you taught me even when you might not have known that I was learning from you. I will miss you dearly and can’t wait to see you again. I love you and will do my best to keep an eye on the family. Cheers to you and all that you did!!!!
That smile, those eyes and the happiness that is in them says it all. You’ve touched so many with your humor, generous spirit, generosity, skills, talent, mentoring, huge heart, and the list goes on. Thank you for the honor of being your friend. You’ll be in my heart always and were such an instrumental piece of all I do today, truly, my thanks will never be enough. While I will miss you, there are so many words you’ve given me while I’m feeling down, and I know you’d want us all to celebrate you and you’ll alive with that happy face and in my heart with so many others always. Thank you, my friend, for all those nudges I needed and your timing and patience were priceless.
Oh my goodness. I just was going to look Skip up, and found this out, that he’d passed away. Oh, dear….oh I’m so sad. I had no idea. Skip helped me with my annoying cockatoo 23 years ago when she kept throwing her “healthy” food out of the cage, and wouldn’t eat. He sat on the floor while I broke down in frustrated sobs in his office, and talked to me for an hour. I left his office a new person.
I saw Skip at Starbucks regularly, sitting with his group of friends, and we always said hello. RIP Skip, and my hugs to Rosemary.
I just heard about this today – I was remembering the zoo and doing a little research. Such a shame. Skip worked with my mom at Woodland park zoo for many years. Then when I was finally old enough to work – he let me work in the Exotic Pet and Bird Clinic cleaning cages and prepping spaces for procedures. I learned a great many things there, and he was such a wonderful, funny, and unique man. He will be missed. He always had the best stories of so many things. He shared his experiences. He gave me a chance when so many others wouldn’t. My condolences to his family. I have a picture of him with my mom from an ROA event. I will cherish it even more now. Rest in Peace Skip.
I worked as a team has for Dr. Nelson for 2 years. It was trial by fire, and he helped make me the man I am today. I can’t believe he’s gone. I know it’s 2 years too latearly, but the world had lost some true maverick. Thanks know you for everything Dr. Nelson, you gave me a ton of experience that I rely on every day. My best wishes to all of his family. His memory will live on in all of my experiences.
-Dan
Came across an old business card of Dr. Skip’s and it made me miss him so much. He is still such a strong influence on me. He took care of my bunny Radar for years, bringing him back from the brink several times. Radar lived to be 12!
Because of his stories about working at the zoo, I became a volunteer 4 years ago and now help take care of the penguins.
Dr. Skip was a remarkable man and made such a difference in so many lives. It sounds like he had a wonderful life and for that I am glad. He will always live on in my heart.