Clyde A. Nelson Jr.

Clyde A. Nelson Jr. (January 29, 1925 - October 10, 2016) died peacefully in his Petaluma home after a long and wonderful life. He was born to Clyde A. Nelson and Rose Nonella Nelson, and was a loving brother to the late Mildred King (Bill), the late Rolf Nelson, Thomas "TJ" Nelson (Dorothy), John Nelson (Jean), and Joan Elam (Lee). Clyde was class president of Petaluma High School in 1942. After attending the Alameda Merchant Marine Officer's School, he served 3 years during WWII on a supply ship in the South Pacific. At UC Berkeley he earned a degree in Economics in 1948, and met and married Winifred Lucille Hunt. As a graduate of Hastings Law School in 1952, Clyde began his law practice with Albert P. Behrens Jr. in Petaluma. He was a highly respected attorney who practiced for over 60 years, retiring at 88 years of age. Clyde was proud of earning the rank of Eagle Scout and completing a cross-continental bicycle ride with family members in 1987. He enthusiastically shared his love of the outdoors with his family and friends through weekly bike rides followed by large family dinners, backpacking and birdwatching in Point Reyes, sailing on San Francisco Bay, vacationing in Hawaii, and often recounting stories of his many adventures . As a committed community member, Clyde was elected to the Petaluma School Board, the Petaluma Hospital Board, and as the president of Sonoma County BAR Association in 1964. He was an active parent for the Petaluma Swim Club for 20 years, and was a founding member and first president of the Petaluma Educational Foundation in 1982 A devoted family man, Clyde was married to Wini for 50 years until her sudden death while on a trip to Australia in 1999. They lovingly raised four children, Janet, David, Judy, and Dan. In 2002 he had the good fortune to marry Marian Rudolph, a PHS classmate, and together they enjoyed good health, companionship, and global adventures for 15 years. Clyde is survived by his wife Marian Rudolph Nelson and children Janet Knudson, David Nelson, Judith Jordan (Mark), and Daniel Nelson; stepchildren Rebecca Johnston (Kevin), William Rudolph (Wendy), Mark Rudolph (Julie), Sally Callahan (Dennis), and Susan Deutsch (Peter). He adored 17 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Celebration of Life and reception will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 40 Fifth Street, Petaluma, on Sunday October 23rd at 2 pm. Donations in memory of Clyde may be made to Petaluma Educational Foundation (PEF) 200 Douglas St., Petaluma, CA 94952, a Boy Scout Troop of your choice, or St. John's Episcopal Church, Petaluma. Celebration of Life

St. John's Episcopal Church

Sunday, October 23, 2016 2:00 PM 40 Fifth Street Petaluma, CA 94952 Directions