Richard "Dick" Nelson, 78 of Anacortes, passed away January 21, 2021 at home.  He was born in Bellingham, Washington to parents: Elmer N. "Lank" and Marguerite "Peggy" (Vanderhoof) Nelson.  Dick grew up on a small five-acre subsistence farm in Whatcom County.  His father was a crew member on a fishing vessel that headed north to Alaska from May to September.  That left Dick, the oldest son to take on a lot of responsibility at an early age.  Through this role, he learned about hard work, dependability and perseverance.

Dick married Linda Culver,  a young girl, he met when he was only 15.  They started dating in college and in 1963 they were married.  That same year he started working at Weldcraft Steel Works, a shipyard in Bellingham.  Dick continued to work in that trade and in 1966, they welcomed a son, Michael.  Dick worked long hours  and his supervisor noticed his drive and work ethic.  He asked Dick to go into business with him and Post Point Shipyard was founded.  When it was sold, Dick co-founded Dakota Creek Industries in Blaine.  In 1977, Dakota Creek moved to Anacortes, which allowed the company to expand and thrive.

Dick was inventive, a visionary and most of all, dedicated to his employees and his family.  He is truly missed by all.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda; his son Michael (Laifong); grandson, Clifford; brothers: Bob and Gary (Ruth); sister-in-law, Diana (Jerry Bakkom); brother-in-law, Larry (Ginny) Culver and many special nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by 102-year-old, mother-in-law, Dorothie Culver.

The family wishes to thank the community, friends, neighbors and Dakota Creek employees for their outpouring of love, prayers, food, flowers and the special tributes that they have arranged, in honor of Dick.  Due to the family's concern for the safety of others, funeral services for Dick Nelson will be private.

Donations in Dick's memory may be made to  Anacortes Family Center, 2702 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221; or to Hospice of the Northwest, 227 Freeway Drive, Suite A, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.

To share memories of Dick, please sign the online guestbook at https://www.evanschapel.com