William Arthur Nelson

Bill unwillingly but ultimately succumbed at his home in Ridgefield, WA to his long-time adversary, prostate cancer, on May 21, 2024. He was born on September 7, 1945 in Two Harbors, Minnesota, the son of the late William W. and Lois Nelson. He grew up in Racine, WI and graduated from William Horlick High School in 1963 then in 1968 earned a BA in Business from Luther College in Deborah Iowa. Following college he served six years in a US Army Reserve Medical unit in Cedar Rapids, IA. In 1967 Bill married his forever partner Kaye Karas. They lived in Iowa City from 1970 to 1980 where he was a successful small business owner of The Stereo Shop. Opportunity presented, he sold the company and they moved to California. Then in 1993, Bill and Kaye moved to Vancouver, WA where he continued to spend his time managing an investment portfolio and playing golf. His wonderful approach to life, bashful smile, and can-do attitude inspired all who came to know him. Being better than good at whatever pursuit he chose, he could best be described as Passionately Accomplished. He was an Audiophile enjoying a wide array of musical genres and artists, playing on equipment he compiled that delivered sound unbelievably precise and accurate to normal ears. Shooting your age in golf is an accomplishment very few hackers get to enjoy, but Bill did, more than once. His love for the game was palpable as he continued to walk the courses with his clubs on his back, cheering on and encouraging his fellow players. He made lifelong friends playing on Wednesdays and Fridays. Bill and Kaye spent much time in the winters in San Diego and Ventura enjoying the weather and the local golf courses. He was a huge college basketball fan always cheering on Gonzaga, the Wisconsin Badgers and the Iowa Women. Bill is survived by his wife Kaye, sisters Susan Miller and Margaret Robinson and three nephews. He will be missed by the extended Karas family, his Wednesday golf buddies, the Friday Golf Group and other friends. In the coming months Kaye will be arranging a close family gathering in Racine where his ashes will be spread on the golf course where he started playing at the age of nine.

William Arthur Nelson

September 7, 1945 - May 21, 2024