Philip D. "Skip" Nelson

January 04, 1936 - April 26, 2018

Philip D. "Skip" Nelson Obituary (Age 82) Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, April 26, 2018. Skip was born January 4, 1936 in Burley, Idaho to his parents Horace and Norma Nelson. He graduated from Rupert High School in 1954 and from the University of Idaho in 1958, where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Upon graduation he was commissioned Second Lt. and served in the US Army, including thirteen months in Korea. He began his career as a high school science teacher and eventually became a director at Kinman Business University, Trend Business College and retired as co-owner of Spokane Technical Institute. Skip was a member of Rotary Club 21, past president of Inland Empire Fly Fishing Club and Spokane Fly Fishers, where he was named Fly Fisher of the year 2001. He was also a member of Cork n? Cuisine gourmet club. In addition to his passion for fly fishing and fly tying, Skip loved to garden, design beautiful stained glass, and create gourmet meals. He loved spending time at the cabin with family and friends at Lake Pend Oreille. He taught his children and grandchildren the fine art of huckleberry picking, fly fishing, and gardening. He was an amazing storyteller and even in his final days he continued to share stories and life lessons. Skip met his wife of 57 years, Diana, on a blind date at University of Idaho. After returning from Korea, they were married in Spokane on June 25, 1960. They resided in Spokane where they raised their three children. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Darwin J. Nelson and sister-in-law Margie. He is survived by his wife, Diana; son, Gregory Nelson (Denise); daughters, Karolyn Aucott (Brian), and Kristi Oates (Don); grandchildren, Lauren, Andrew, Delaney, Zack, Nick, Kenzi, and Carson; great-grandchildren, Collin and Cole. Also survived by brother-in-law, Dick Pierson (Pam); niece, Kim Pierson and nephew, Jeff Pierson, and numerous cousins. Skip was loved by many and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 1:00pm at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way with burial to follow at Greenwood Memorial Terrace. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane, P.O. Box 2215 Spokane, WA 99210; American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215 or the charity of one?s choice. A special thank you for the excellent care and support from the Spokane Kidney Center and Spokane Hospice House South.