Frank Ross Nelson

Born: April 13, 1952

Born into eternal life:  April 15, 2020

A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter,

He who finds one finds a treasure.

A faithful friend is beyond price,

No sum can measure his worth.

           Sirach 6:14-15 NAB

 

All of us consider ourselves blessed to have a friend such as these words describe. Frank was that kind of friend.

Frank passed away April 15, 2020 after a courageous 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born April 13, 1952 in Fort Ord, California, Frank was the only son of Buck and Shirley Nelson. He and his sisters, Gloria and Cindy, moved to the Seattle area in 1957.

Frank attended school at St. Matthew’s Elementary and graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1970.

Frank married his wife of 44+ years, Pam on August 16th, 1975. They settled into their home in North Seattle, now Shoreline, and raised their two children Grant Ross and Natalie Ann. He is remembered by his family as a wonderful husband and father.

He went to work at Griffin Envelope Company in Seattle and worked there many years as a printing press operator before moving on to VN Graphics Company in Redmond in 1993, working there as a printing plate maker. In 2002 he left VN, obtained his Commercial Driver License, spent a short time as a truck driver for an equipment rental company, then started his career as a driver for Metro Transit. His illness finally forced him to retire at the end of 2018.

Everywhere Frank worked he made many friends, and was much loved for his cheerful, boisterous spirit, great sense of humor, and his kindness and generosity. Frank loved people, and people loved Frank.

He was humble and self-effacing; always grateful for his friends and for any kindness shown him. But he appreciated even more the chance to do something for someone else. While working at Griffin Envelope he used to collect cardboard that was designated for disposal and turn it in for recycling. In those days a small amount of money was paid for recyclables. He would save up the money and use it to purchase rocking chairs, which he would donate to Children’s Hospital in Seattle.

A devoted husband and father, Frank dedicated his life to providing for his wife Pam and their children Grant and Natalie. He was particularly devoted to his developmentally disabled son Grant and worked tirelessly to provide him with every available opportunity to live life to the fullest extent possible.

He enjoyed family vacations and getaways to the family property at Blue Lake in the Grand Coulee area of Eastern Washington. He especially enjoyed waterskiing or just relaxing in the sun with family and friends.

Frank was a lifelong Catholic with a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In his later years he could often be found at daily Mass at St. Joseph’s Carmelite Monastery near his home. He had many friends in the community, as well as among the nuns in residence there. He continued attending Mass there on Saturday mornings until his illness made it impossible. He was also active in both Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Seattle’s Wedgewood neighborhood and St. Pius X Parish in Mountlake Terrace. He would often take his mother to Sunday Mass, then spend the morning with her. His faith was a great source of strength to him throughout his life, and especially as his illness progressed. He was particularly grateful for the kindness, encouragement and support of Father Tim Clark at Our Lady of the Lake during the last years of his life.

Frank was also very grateful for the compassionate and excellent care he received from Dr. Paul Martin and the staff at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Frank is survived by his mother Shirley, wife Pam, and their children Grant and Natalie, his sister Cindy Anderson (Rick), nephews Reid (Annessa, Alaira and Kenley), Justin (JJ) (LJ and Marcus),niece Cindy Cherie (Jaela and Sophia), and his late nephew Christopher’s wife Melissa and their children Cameron and Brooke.

He was preceded in death by his sister Gloria, his nephew Christopher, his Aunt, Charma and his father Buck.

Due to the coronavirus restrictions there will be a small, private funeral service Saturday, April 25th, and interment at Holyrood Cemetery at a later date.  The funeral service will be recorded and made available for viewing.

Remembrances may be made to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or St Joseph Carmelite Monastery.

We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who generously loved, cared for and prayed for Frank. May God bless you!

 

 

I belong to Jesus Christ. Though death may take me, it cannot hold me, for it could not hold Him.

Christ is Risen!

31 Responses to “Frank Ross Nelson”

  • Cindy Anderson says:

    I searched and searched for this picture of frank. This picture of him, tells the story. His
    laugh and smile was so distinctively him. His heart was on display for those he loved and
    his goodness was lived out loud, but also… and most important… it was lived quietly in
    moments of generosity to people in need. We knew that about him, those are the
    moments measured by God. Those are the building blocks created for his home in
    heaven. I truly feel that we who knew frank are better people because of him. I’d like to
    share a story that went unsaid, frank passed a homeless man every day while on his way
    home from work. He would always greet him while getting off the freeway. On
    thanksgiving morning, he stopped, got him into his car and took him to a hotel where he
    checked him in. He made certain with the clerk that cable TV was available as the man
    enjoyed the national geographic channel. He gave him money to buy a meal for
    thanksgiving – so, here this homeless man had a hot shower, clean clothes, entertainment
    and to top it all off, the owners of the hotel invited the man to sit at their thanksgiving
    table with them and their family. That was my brother, I would have never found out
    about this, but someone I knew was working at that hotel. Frank, then shared his story,
    but not willingly. I know this was one story of many of the generosity of Frank Ross
    Nelson.
    He loved his nephews and they loved him. Our family vacations and gatherings weren’t
    the same without Frank present, a huge void was felt. Frank had a love for our summer
    vacation home in Eastern WA, at Blue Lake! As a young man, the neighbors along the lake
    would gather the cars along the highway and would stop! Why? Because he was skiing,
    barefoot, water skiing. He was an excellent water-skier too. He should have gone pro, but
    if you knew Frank, then you knew he didn’t want attention brought to himself. But, as he
    got older sitting under the tree with newspaper at hand, enjoying the children and
    relaxing was his enjoyment.
    Frank’s excitement and joy for people and life will truly be missed. The last two weeks
    while I was caring for him will forever be in my heart. We laughed, shared stories and
    reminisced about our childhood.

    You’ll be missed by all, Frank Ross Nelson.

  • Tammy Earhart and Paul Hart says:

    My heart goes out to the the entire Nelson/Anderson family. He was a testament to his faith. I feel so blessed that he came to see my Mom, his Aunt Charma, in the hospital this past summer. I was able to visit with my cousin. He looked good. We talked, laughed and reminisced about our lives. It’s such a wonderful memory for me. He knew he was ill,the prognosis was not good and it probably would be the last time I saw him alive. We exchanged hugs and love you’s. He was a wonderful Man, Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew and Cousin. You will be truly missed. Heaven has gained an angel. Thank you Cindy for finding the perfect picture and sharing your wonderful story. RIP Frank. Hoping your family finds peace and serenity in this difficult time.

  • Peter Ross Kilborn says:

    My heart is saddened by the passing of my best and most faithful of childhood friends. I am taken aback by this sudden loss as Frank was always a staple influence in my life. I learned so much from him. Thank you, Cindy, his beloved sister, for being at his side during such a difficult time. I have the utmost respect for your strength and fortitude as you cared for him until the end. I would have fallen apart. Frank will be remembered by all who knew him as a genuinely loving, honest and sincere human being. He will never be forgotten.

  • Betty Rodenbaugh says:

    Frank was such a kind, caring, generous person. He was so devoted to Pam, Grant and Natalie. Rest in peace dear friend. Our loss is heaven’s gain.

  • Vicki Dalzell says:

    My husband and I met Frank at Metro. After we retired and moved away, a group of us would get together every time we came back to Washington. Those dinners and get togethers will always be cherished because of the interactions, laughter, and pure joy Frank and Grant brought to them. He will be missed as we get together. This summer. We will raise a glass and reminisce about the good friend we have lost, but not forever. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Pam, Natalie, Grant and all the others who have lost a truly special human being

  • Alan Arpin says:

    On October 13th 1978 I started my first “real” job at Griffin Envelope Company in Seattle. I worked in the printing department alongside a guy named Frank. Little did know that day that he would become my best friend, my best man, and someone I will always remember as one of the best people I have ever known.
    We worked together for most of the next 22 years and have been friends for a little more than 42 years. I feel very blessed and grateful to God for the gift of his friendship over all those years.
    In that time there have been lots of laughs and love. Love for me and my family. As I mentioned Frank was best man in our wedding and later godfather to one of our sons. He took that second role very seriously and always showed so much love to our son Dominic. And I equal measure to all our children, whom he loved to call “those brats”. They loved him in return.
    Frank was a simple man – he wore his heart on his sleeve. You always knew exactly how he felt. And his faith, which was strong, was also simple – childlike, exactly as it is supposed to be in all of us.
    And he was a very successful man. Not as the world measures success in passing and ultimately empty ways like money, fame or power, but in the ways that Our Lord set as the standard when He said: “This new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you”. Take a good look at a crucifix to see what that means. Jesus laid down His life for us. In his own way Frank laid down his life, every day, humbly, quietly (OK, not so quietly), first and foremost for his family, and then for his friends.
    And one of the very special things about Frank was that just about everyone he met was his friend – either right away or not long after.
    It was tremendously important for Frank to provide for his family, and he worked tirelessly to do just that, even when he was so weakened by his illness that he could hardly stand up for more than a short time.
    I feel honored to have known him and be considered his friend. I have always envied – in a good way, wishing I were more like him – envied the qualities that made him so loved and fondly remembered by those who were lucky enough to have known him and worked with him.
    The last words I was able to hear him say to me were: “Thank you.” Just barely whispered, but very clear. In a way that sums up for me so much of what Frank was all about. Just those two simple words. How many more times do I owe those words to him. I can say without hesitation that I got much more out of our friendship over the years than I ever gave.
    So, rest in peace Frank, my friend, my best friend, my best man, my brother from another mother. I love you.

  • Cindy Brettler says:

    My heart aches with sympathy for all of Frank’s family and friends. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of spending lots of face-to-face time with Frank over the years, each time I DID get to be in his presence brightened my day — that man had the most infectious smile, and gave great hugs!
    My 35+ year friendship with his sister, Cindy, is such an important part of my life, and the stories, pictures and memories she has shared with me over the years have given me the feeling that I know what a special person he was. Hearing about the childhood shenanigans she, Gloria and Frank had together growing up have given me lots of laughs – and Cindy loved telling stories of what a kind and generous man he became as an adult and loving father. Frank and Cindy have had ups and downs in their relationship over the years, but Cindy’s care in the final months of his life showed what a deep love the two of them shared, and just what strength a love like that can bring out in a person. I know that care made it so that Frank left this world knowing he was loved deeply and with peace in his heart.
    My deepest sympathies go out to Shirley for the loss of her son – oh how I wish I could do a giant group hug with the entire Anderson family! Dan and I want you all to know just what an important part of our lives this family is to us, and know that we are mourning the loss of such a great son, brother, father and uncle.

  • Kathy Steen says:

    I love the picture of Frank that is posted. This is exactly how I will always remember him – happy and kind. Always smiling. I met Frank through his sister, Cindy. He was so friendly. I specifically remember a time with Frank when I was going through a divorce. We took a long walk and I was jabbering all my troubles to him. He listened so patiently to me and assured me everything was going to be fine, that I was going to be fine. I will never forget how he just listened to me talk. It was so what I needed at the time. As a metro bus driver, I used to love it when Frank drove my route. I would sit in the front of the bus and talk to him until I arrived at my stop. He was a genuinely nice guy and I feel very privileged to have known him and have him be a part of my life. May he rest in peace. My heart goes out to all of his family and my sincere thanks to Cindy for being with him during his last days and taking such good care of him. I know you will always cherish that time you had with him.

  • Janis Fisher says:

    I’m at a loss for words. Met Frank at Metro and talked over the years turned out his Dad had purchased a bakery in Soap Lake from my dear elderly friends brother many years ago . It was a funny connection but he was one of the best human beings I have ever met. We would talk about Soap Lake and I didn’t see him for a long time and ran into him and Grant at the Wedgewood Broiler one time and was so happy to see him and meet his son . Truly one of the kindest people on the planet it was that night he told me he’d been diagnosed . Was so happy to see him and his son show up at the Metro Christmas party to check in . My condolences to Pam and his family at this time. May he be held and carried by the angels and May his kind spirit RIP! Our world has lost a wonderful kind soul!

  • Shaun Hopper says:

    Rest In Peace Frank. I always appreciated his smile and friendly personality. Glad I knew him.

  • bob walden says:

    I could go on and on about my dear friend of 30 years “Frank” (AKA Francisco). Most of what I would say about this dear, sweet, man has already been said. I do want to share this small story however. Frank, Grant and I took a road trip to eastern Washington this past January. It was a great time, with Grant philosophizing from the back seat and Frank from the front passenger seat. Francisco was sharing with me his ideas of how things would end and how he wanted to meet God.
    I must admit to you all, I was chocking up inside, but I didn’t want him to know that, in hopes of keeping him from sinking into his thoughts. And then it occurred to me, so I said: “Frank you aren’t going to die, you are just getting a new zip code.” To my amazement he looked at me and smiled and said: “Yea that’s right, it is just a new zip code.”
    He seemed to change his demeaner after that and he was at a higher energy level for the rest of the day.
    I saw Frank and Grant about three weeks later and again, without any hint from me, he mentioned getting a new zip code again. I smiled back at him and said, yea you got it!
    To a one of a kind guy…bob & Laura love you.

  • Cathy Brandt says:

    From the bottom of my heart, and my husband Doug’s, we express our deepest sympathy to Frank’s family – sister Cindy, Rick, and family; Frank’s mom Shirley;
    Frank’s wife Pam and children. Although I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Frank very well, each time I saw him I felt welcome and important. The stories I’ve heard about Frank and his humbleness are so heartwarming.

    Cindy and I have been friends for about 40 years and if you know her, you know she values family and goodness above all things…so did Frank. Cindy, your recent care for Frank didn’t surprise me and it’s a testament of your never-ending strength. In the coming months, I pray that you and all the family can rest, heal, forgive, and find peace knowing that Frank has passed on to greener pastures! Love, Cathy and Doug

  • Patti & Jim Fisher says:

    We have lived in the same neighborhood and have known Frank and his family for over 40 years. We were very touched by the funeral and all that was said about Frank. Father was right. Frank was a humble man who would have never expected all the kind things that were said about him, but he deserved those kinds words.

    Jim and Frank had something in common as they both worked in the printing business at one time. They talked about their experiences to each other and both loved Dick’s drive-in where they stopped every once in a while to enjoy a hamburger.

    Frank was a very giving person that went out of his way to help others. We witnessed that time after time throughout the years. We recall one incident when Frank and Pam came to our daughter’s wedding and saw one of the people that attended the wedding standing at a nearby bus stop as he and Pam were heading to the reception. Frank offered him a ride to the reception and the guest thanked him and took the ride. Our daughter greeted the guest Frank brought with a big hug thinking the guest was from her husband’s side of the family. Later as we all went through the pictures taken that day, none of us recognized this individual and at that moment we all realized this person had crashed the wedding. It all worked out great, we had a good laugh with Frank. and never forgot that day, the special guest that came to our daughter’s wedding and the ride he received from Frank.

    Our family dearly loved Frank and his family, and our neighborhood will never be the same without him. Sometimes you meet people in your life that leaves a mark on your heart forever and that person was Frank. We know Frank is with our Father in Heaven now. We will miss him very much. His family will continue to be remembered in our prayers. God bless you all.

    Love, Jim, Patti, Dan, Madalyn, Steve, Jill, Angie, Brian, Ellie, Teresa & Sara

  • Juvenal Pulido says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about Frank’s passing may he rests in peace in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ! I know we’ll see Frank, Buck, and all our love ones again when God calls our name. We have you all in our prayers!

    Love always,
    Juvenal

  • buford fearing says:

    Frank was the best neighbor a person could have he lived across the street from me for 40 some years.many times we would meet at the mailbox and laugh and joke about things.he would haul stuff to the dump for me and help me any time I asked for help we had many discussions about GOD and heaven he and my wife Kay talked about GOD many times. my wife told him I want to see you when I get there. we were talking a few weeks before his dimese and I told him this is not the ending it is the beginning he liked that I will forever miss him as a friend and a neighbor he will be missed in the neighborhood

  • Catherine Amy says:

    Frank was a such a sweet beautiful soul. Charismatic and magnanimous he was a joy to know. I am thankful for the times spent with the Nelson/Anderson family and will cherish those memories always. RIP Frankie ❤

  • Tuan Tran says:

    My deepest sympathies go out to Frank’s family. Thank you Cindy for sharing your wonderful story and the perfect picture of how I remember Frank – smiling & cheerful! He was a beautiful human that was genuinely kind, caring, and generous. He also had an infectious sense of humor! I really admire him and was truly an inspiration. A humble family man who was deeply devoted to his family and God. I am grateful to have met him and will miss seeing his warm smile and jokes when in the neighborhood. RIP Frank.

  • Tom Jacobson says:

    I don’t know what to say. Frank never had that problem. We laughed a lot together. We both drove buses for Metro.

    I saw Frank a few days before he died. He wanted to give me his pressure washer. “Wear a mask & gloves when you come over”. I stood on a step stool outside & talked to him through the screen of the open window. He was lying on a raised hospital bed. He still had that Frank-spark, but was more at ease, more peaceful than usual. He was tired, but focused on important stuff to say and do. He was almost ready. I was there, but I had no words.

    His nephew Reid texted me the night Frank passed. I replied: “Reid, thanks for letting me know. Frank was an amazing spirit. And such a goofy guy. He hung in so long that I figured he’d go on forever. I’m so glad he had the time to prepare himself. And he seemed ready when I last saw him. Good for him. Me, I’m not so ready. I hope he has plenty of Tater Tots in Heaven. And they don’t make him sick the next day. I’m glad he had you & other family around him.
    Thanks.
    -Tom”

    Frank and Grant picked me up sometimes & we would go to The Cabin Tavern. Tacos & Tater Tots. And Beer (Grant & I). Pepsi for Frank. The last time we went, Frank had been sick, wasn’t eating much & was getting thin. Frank devoured the Tater Tots. He had wanted to give me a pair of his black Levi’s because they were too small for him. But now he apologized, because they fit him again.

    Frank had Bladder cancer before he had Pancreatic cancer. And Hernias too. Lots of pain. He told me about the super-nice attractive young nurse giving him his bladder treatments. It was scary & uncomfortable. “Relax Frank, it’ll be ok”. He wanted to give her a nice thank you present on the last treatment day. He brought her a generous Starbucks card. I also wrapped up a present for him to give to her. She opened the Starbucks card. “Thank you Frank” and set it aside. Then she opened the little present and (according to Frank) she just melted & totally loved it! I won! Ok we all “won”. It was just a pair of cute little rubber Hedgehog things you put into your clothes dryer. Frank had discovered them & raved about them so much (as only Frank could do) so I went out & bought a bunch of them too. “They dry clothes much faster & save a lot of electricity! I know. I timed it.” Frank said. The nurse reacted like we had given her a puppy.

    Another fellow bus driver was treated for bladder cancer about the same time as Frank. Not long after the treatment was finished, he found out he had pancreatic cancer. Same as Frank. “Jay A.” didn’t last so long. I was Frank’s “date” for Jay’s “Celebration of Life”. I went with Frank to the sudden retirement party & then – not long afterward – the church memorial service for another bus driver (Steve J.). I also went with Frank to some events at the bus base. Everywhere he went so many many people would run up to him with big smiles to hug him & talk to him. He was there for hours.

    I heard a lot of Frank’s stories, he heard a lot of mine. “I can’t believe they let me drive a bus!” he said with a big Frank-smile (cup of coffee in his hand).

    Frank could talk. He was a force. I miss him. He lived well.

  • Barry Samet says:

    Frank will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him.

  • Terri. Sue Peters says:

    Dear Frank I just wanted to tell you thank you for all the Love and kindness you shared with family and friends When my Dad was losing his battle with cancer my car broke down. Without hesitation you and Grant drove out to Federal Way to pick me up As we got off exit you stopped at your bank and handed me some cash your replyed hope this will help to get my car fixed Thank you For those summer days you would drive us around Blue Lake so we could ski or tubing So much fun On those evening night at Blue Lake you would drive us around to enjoy the calm glistening of the Lake and the sunset against the Mountains. So beautiful. For sharing your bag of cheeseburger From Dicks Thank you Frankie you shyed a ways from that I can’t think of another Man who deserves it For sending me a text to tell me you stopped by to see my Mom and Chris but really missed seeing me cuz I was your favorite cousin Truth is Frank your my Favorite cousin we teased each other’s for years Thank you I miss you Frank with all my Love Your favorite cousin Terri Sue

  • Deborah Bronnes Sturgill says:

    Cindy and Shirley, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember the days we had together skiing at Blue Lake. Frank and Buck would always challenge our dad to get the deepest tan. I remember that Frank often won the contest as Buck would exclaim, “creamy chocolate”. I send my love and prayers to all his family.

  • Nicki & Paul Tran says:

    Our sincere condolences to Pam, Natalie, Grant, and other family members of Frank. My husband and I knew Frank from the St. Vincent de Paul Society within our church, St. Matthew Parish, not too far from Frank’s home. It made perfect sense that Frank was called to be a Vincentian to seek and find the forgotten and show them God’s love. Frank was steadfast in attending our weekly meetings and making home visits Saturday mornings. And guess who went the extra mile to make a special stamp for documenting the progress of our visits…..Frank of course! A man who exhibited all five Vincentian Virtues: Simplicity, Humility, Gentleness, Self-Sacrifice and Zeal. Frank was a true Vincentian and helped us all to be better people by his example. Thank you Frank for all the good works you did here on earth. Our heavenly Father has a special place for you for sure! Nicki & Paul Tran

  • Carol (Tomco) Sandusky says:

    My heart goes out to Pam, Grant, Natalie, Cindy and your family and of course to Shirley. I stumbled upon this obituary and at this time am having a hard time processing this. I met Frank and David in Denver in 1972. I moved here in October 1972. My heart and memory are full of fun, joyful memories, motorcycle rides, Blue Lake and the wonderful years when we were all just hanging out, then getting married and then beginning to have our families. Frank loved David, they were the best of friends. I am shocked they both had to pass away from the same disease. May everyone of you be blessed as you grieve. I am so sad. I love Frank, all of you and our memories! Many prayers to all of you.

  • Angie Johnson says:

    For the rest of my life, when I think of Frank, I will smile. You just couldn’t be around Frank for too long without smiling or laughing. I was fortunate to be able to grow up with Frank, Pam, Natalie and Grant as neighbors, and to our family, they were family. Frank gave me rides on his motorcycles, joked around with all of us kids, and really made us feel important and special. He made everyone who knew him feel special, and worth his time. I tell my girls all the time there are only a handful of people I’ve met in my life that are so special, I hope to be at least a little like them. Frank was one of those people. I was fortunate to get home at Christmas and spend time with Frank and Grant. It meant so much to me that he took so much of his time, despite not feeling great, to give to myself and my family. He left such an impression on my girls. They asked about him about every week after we went home. I will never forget his jokes, smile and laugh, Frank was an original, full of love and life, the world will not be the same without him. Thank you Frank, so much. All my love to Pam, Natalie, and Grant, Cindy, and Shirley, my thoughts are with you all everyday.
    Angie, Brian, Ellie, Teresa, and Sara.

  • George Lowe says:

    I met Frank through our other friends David Tomco and Grant Ross, we were in our early 20’s and all had motorcycles and were just having a good time. It wasn’t hard having a good time being around Frank. I began work at Griffin Envelope in 1970 and about a year later heard they were looking for an apprentice pressman. I was working nights and was visiting Frank at the family home before work one day, Buck was there and I told Frank about the job. Frank was having too much fun working part time or not working, and said he didn’t want to get up to be at work at 7 AM and work a 40 hour job. As I recall, Buck had what you might describe as a booming voice. When Buck heard our conversation (the guy who was baking by 3 or 4 in the morning), he had an opinion for Frank and said something like, Oh! you’re going down there tomorrow and getting that job! Buck knew it was time for him to get some responsibility. Frank did, and we worked together for 6 years. Frank reminded me regularly that it was my fault he was there. He was a really hard worker. I think it was just after Frank and Pam were married, there was a fellow leaving Griffin to move back east and he was going to sell his house. I suggested to Frank that it might be a good move to buy it. He wasn’t sure and hemmed and hawed about it until it was going to go on the market. I told Frank if he didn’t buy it, I was going to, and rent it out. A couple of days later he bought the house in Shoreline. When I left in 1979 at my little going away party, I’ll never forget the look he gave me, “you helped me get this job and now you’re deserting me”, it was a look of happiness for my moving on from Griffin as well. Working at the envelope company was hard work. I’ll aways remember the good discussions about life and other stuff we had while on breaks and when carpooling. I’ll remember the motorcycles, Frank, Buck, Rick and myself all bought BMW’s about the same time. I didn’t keep mine long but was so happy to be able to buy Franks, that he had accessorized to the max when he sold it. Looking back, I think we helped each other grow up some. Even though we didn’t see each other lately, I’ll always consider Frank Nelson one of my best friends. There are only a very few other people I would think of like that. My deepest condolences to Shirley, Pam, Grant, Natalie and the rest of the Nelson / Anderson family. Rest in peace my great friend. Heaven is definitely gaining an Angel. George and Colleen

  • Grant Ross says:

    As another has written, when I think of Frank, it brings a smile to my face.
    I knew Frank from high school and we had many mutual friends. I got to know him better on the 1972 motorcycle trip that was mentioned in another comment.
    David Tomco, Frank and myself all left together on this trip. Destination – Newfoundland. We all had Suzuki 500’s. I have a many great memories from that trip with Frank and David. As my time off from work was limited, I left them in Kansas City, MO and headed due north to Canada where I was born and visited with childhood friends. Frank and Dave made it all the way to Newfoundland and back which is one heck of a trip on a motorcycle.
    Frank and I would see each other occasionally over the years. He would sometimes stop in to see me at
    the door company where I worked. I saw Frank more frequently in the last couple of years as he wanted his family to have new interior doors which we supplied. Frank and Grant were in several times in completing the project and it was joy to see them.
    My heart is warmed by all the heartfelt comments I have read from friends and family. Frank was always a good friend to me and I am blessed to have known him.
    Frank was such a good man.
    My heartfelt sympathy to all of Frank’s family.

  • Carey D Tremaine says:

    In our teens and early 20s many of us thought it would be cool to take martial arts training. With the stardom of Bruce Lee, etc. it was popular and seemed like a good thing to be able to defend oneself. Frank had gone farther up the ranks than most of us did. At one point I learned he had earned a Brown Belt in Karate, a fairly advanced level. I saw Frank at an informal gathering (party) of some sort and complemented him on his achievement. He just smiled and said it’s no big thing. That was Frank. He was comfortable in his own skin and preferred being a friend and a regular guy to being known as a tough guy. I always admired that about him.

  • Yolande James says:

    1 John 3:17-18
    17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

    I thought I knew Frank. But, after reading and hearing of his goodness and how he actively lived a life of helping others, I find that what I knew of Frank barely scratched the surface. He had a heart of gold. How he lived his life of giving inspires me to carry on in his memory, and by doing so honoring him.

  • Natalie Nelson says:

    I can express what a wonderful,kind, awesome dad he was to me and grant I could not be more great ful for everything he did for us I miss him so much but I know he’s up in heaven looking down on us we love you dad very much and miss you love your daughter Natalie ❤️

  • Jody (Wuest) Armstrong says:

    Cindy and family – I was so shocked to get this news today of Frank passing and of Pam. I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember how close you all were as a family. I was Pam’s cousin – and had lost touch. I know you were kind enough to go visit my cousin CarolAnn. If you could reach out to me via email – I would so appreciate hearing from you.

    With my condolences.

    Jody

  • Bob Walden says:

    Thinking of you Frank. Luv ya!
    bob

Leave a Reply

Please be respectful. Disrespectful comments will not be published

When you have successfully submitted a comment, look in the space above to see your comment.

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

If you do not see your comment, click HERE