Obituary of Hugh B. Nelson

Hugh B. Nelson, Colonel Retired October 27, 1931 – January 21, 2020 Hugh Berkley Nelson was born to Virginia and Paul Nelson in Albany, Oregon. He grew up with his sister, Nancy, on the banks of the Willamette River where Paul farmed the lowlands. His first 7 grades of school were at the one-room Fairmount Grade School. He was very active in the 4-H program and a lifelong supporter. He went to Albany public schools, graduating from Albany High School in 1949. Willamette University was next, graduating in 1954 with a BS degree in Sociology. He married Ann Klindworth while at Willamette. They both started careers in Social Work. Hugh worked for the Marion County Juvenile Court and then the Crook County Juvenile Court. In 1958 his career changed when he began working full-time with the Oregon Army National Guard. This career included commands at the Battery, Battalion and Group level up to the position of Chief of Staff, Oregon Military Department. In 1980 he was appointed US Property and Fiscal Officer until he retired in 1991. After military retirement, he served as a civilian working with the Air National Guard throughout the United States for 13 years. His awards include the Oregon Distinguished Service Medal, Army Legion of Merit, Army Meritorious Service Medal with 3 clusters and both the Army and Air Force Commendation Medals. He was an active member of Kiwanis for over 45 years, a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, was a self-described “mediocre” golfer from high school until his 80’s. As a father and grandfather, he believed strongly in parenting by model. His father believed in learning by experience and risk-taking. He and Ann raised three sons in Portland and Salem. He set an example of strong values, and through those, taught his sons about respect, honesty and commitment. Following a divorce, Hugh married Sandy Stafford in 1982. This began a new phase in his life as he opened his heart to her three children, offering the same quiet stability and support he had given to his three sons. Together they offered love and support to children and grandchildren for all six. Sandy’s death in 2014 was heartbreaking for Hugh. In 2015 he married Mary Anne Spradlin, who has been his friend and support during these later years of his life. He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne; his children Bruce, Brian, and Greg Nelson and their families; stepchildren Mike, Craig, and Kara (Hassoun) Stafford and their families; Mariah Rawlins and Miles Spradlin-Crater. There are 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Hugh’s family wishes to thank Willamette Valley Hospice for the wonderful, compassionate care that has been provided during the last months of his life. Celebration of Life will be held at Morningside United Methodist Church, 3674 12th St SE, Salem. Oregon at 2:00 p.m. on February 9, 2020. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 10. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Morningside United Methodist Church Foundation is suggested.