Charles Lawrence Nellis

CHARLES "BUD" LAWRENCE NELLIS Dec. 1, 1942 ~ Nov. 7, 2009 It was a sunny, crisp fall morning when our Bud passed away at the Legacy Hopewell Hospice House in Portland, OR. His wife, Judy, was by his side - the same as she had been every day. Bud faced his long struggle with multiple complications following a liver, kidney transplant with enduring optimism and a strong will to heal. That struggle came to an end November 7, 2009. Bud was 66. Bud's family was living in Salem, OR when he joined his older brother, Norman on Dec. 1, 1942. Brothers Jim and Randy were to follow. When he was two years old, the family moved to a farm in Vancouver, WA near where Westfield Shopping Center now stands. His childhood years, though not abundant with material resources, were rich with family love. There were camping trips to Lacamas Lake, fishing at the mouth of the Lewis River, weekly gatherings on the farm for a picnic, baseball and card games, lanterns hung between the apple trees to extend the day. The Nellis boys explored the open spaces around them establishing a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. Many a tale has been spun about their adventures as brothers in those early years - romping in the woods, ice skating on the pond (now the wetlands around the Mall), tricking baby brother into eating a robin as an initiation into the "band of brothers" and many, many more. Bud's role in the family was to help his mother, Grace, keep the often mischievous gang in line. They were an industrious brotherhood as well, establishing a business picking worms to supply universities, sporting goods stores and local fisherman. Bud earned his way through college through these early morning endeavors and through his deadly pool game. Sports, especially baseball, were a passion shared by all the Nellis children. Bud was known for his finesse as a pitcher on the baseball teams at McLoughlin Junior High, Hudson Bay High School, and Clark College in Vancouver which he attended between 1961 and 1964. He completed his education at the University of Washington graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. Bud began his professional career in management at Bonneville Power Administration in Vancouver. His liver, kidney condition forced his retirement in February 2006, after forty years with the company. He also served on the Battle Ground School District Board of Directors between 1980 and 1984. Many will remember Bud for his passion for gardening, especially his roses and dahlias. His yard was featured in the local news paper. He will also be remembered for his kindness and generosity, his focus and clarity of direction, his devotion to his wife, Judy, to his children and step-children, brothers, ten grandchildren and his dedication to his friends. His sense of humor would often leave you doubled in laughter, his role as Santa Claus is deeply seeded in his grandchildren's memory, and his skills as a "duct tape" engineer will be especially remembered by Judy. Surviving family members include children, Allison (Todd) Welker and their son, Nathan of Vancouver, WA, Andrew (Jamie) Nellis of Portland, OR.; step-children, Troy (Char) Calli, Arlington, TX, Keith (Bernie) Dalia, Vancouver, WA, Aprille (Ken) McMillan also from Vancouver; nine step-grandchildren; his brothers all reside in Vancouver, WA, Norm (Carol), Jim (Rita) and Randy (Ardis); many nieces and nephews will also mourn his loss. Bud's father, Norman G. Nellis preceded him in death in 1978; and his mother, Grace F. Anderegg Nellis in 1999. A Celebration of Life will be held Wed., Nov. 11, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA. 98664. Viewing will be prior to the ceremony from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. in the Evergreen Memorial Garden Chapel. Donations may be made to the Legacy Hopewell Hospice House, 6171 S.W. Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR. 97239, www.legacyhealth.org.

Charles Lawrence Nellis

December 1, 1942 - November 7, 2009