Donald V. Nielsen Obituary (1937

Don started on his next adventure when he passed away November 19, 2018 at the age of 81. He was a lifelong resident of Enumclaw, after being born at Swedish Hospital in Seattle on March 16, 1937. His parents were Einar A. and Anna (Holm) Nielsen. Don graduated from Enumclaw High School, Class of 1955, and married Judy Carlson on December 15, 1956. During school he worked at the Pickle Factory, then at the State Forestry. Next, he went to the Corps of Engineers (Civil), spending time on a survey crew traveling the four northwest states. Following a five-year stint at the US Forest Service, he landed at Mud Mountain Dam as a Dam Equipment Operator until his retirement in 1992. Don always liked to be outdoors, which was evident in his many hobbies: camping/RV-ing, clam digging, flying with his Dad in a Cessna 180 and Fairchild F45 (that was built in 1937, the same year Don was born), scuba diving, hiking, fishing, working in his wood shop, picking berries, mowing lawns and cutting firewood. After retirement, he and Judy enjoyed trips to Cancun, Costa Rica, Puerto Vallarta, and many cruises, ending on the Amazon River. In between, Don and his brother, Swede (Jim) plus the wives and kids built a log "cabin" on Lummi Island, -- and cut more wood! He was a member of Enumclaw Jaycees, Crescent Lodge #109, F&AM (57 years); Aerie #1387, FOE (44 years); also the IOOB, Wishbone Chapter. Don is survived by his wife, Judy and their children, Mike (Christie), Ron (Connie), Linda (Kerry Krueger), and Russ (Karen). This bunch gave them 5 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, 3 more "acquired" grandsons, and three great-granddaughters. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Pam. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother. Per his "directions" there will be no services. Memorials may be sent to Bridge of Hope, PO Box 223, Maple Valley, WA 98038.