Gregory Nelson

Greg was born on Dec. 19, 1923, the youngest of three sons of Melinda and Ove M. Nelson of Montesano, Wash., and he left us on May 8, 2018. He was 94 years young.

Greg was born on Dec. 19, 1923, the youngest of three sons of Melinda and Ove M. Nelson of Montesano, Wash., and he left us on May 8, 2018. He was 94 years young.

He was raised in Montesano and graduated from Montesano High School and Grays Harbor College before attending the University of Washington. He married the love of his life, Betty Jean Wicker, in 1950 and, after graduating from the University of Washington Law School, he moved his young family to Montesano where he joined his father’s established law practice in 1954. Greg served the people of Grays Harbor and beyond for 50 years before retiring in 2004.

He was a respected member of the Grays Harbor County Bar Association and the Montesano Active Club, the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Chehalis Valley Museum, the Grays Harbor Coin Club, and the Montesano United Methodist Church. He served on the Montesano City Council and was the last elected Montesano City Attorney. Greg was always one of the first to volunteer when a need arose and will be remembered for his willingness to serve.

Greg loved the outdoors – perhaps more than the office – and spent many hours in his woodlands, cutting and splitting firewood for family and friends.

Greg was predeceased by his two older brothers, Kendrick and Seymour. He is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Betty, of Lacey; his five children: Pamela Udovich of Olympia, Paul (Jennifer) Nelson of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Eric (Mary) Nelson of Montesano, Brenda (Konrad) Nelson-Strauss of Bloomington, Ind., and Heather (Jim) Miller of Cornell, Mich.; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all who will miss his ready smile.

At Greg’s request, no formal service or public gatherings will be held. There will be a family gathering in August to celebrate his life. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chehalis Valley Museum in Montesano.