Andrew Nelson Sr.

Jun 1, 1932 -

Jul 26, 2020

Andrew Nelson Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on July 26, 2020, at the age of 88. Those that knew him will miss his bright smile, loud cackling laugh and his wonderful storytelling talents: fully animated, complete with re-enactments and told with a passion that made you feel you were there with him as it happened. Andrew was born in Egegik, Alaska, on June 1, 1932, to Stephen and Nettie Nelson. He was one of five children. In 1951, he and three cousins were enlisting in the U.S. Navy and he realized that his birthday missed the cutoff date to attend basic training together; to ensure the four village boys wouldn't be alone in boot camp he gave the recruiter a date of June 14, 1932. This is the birthday all future records would show and the one he celebrated with friends and family for the rest of his life. His time of active duty ended in 1955, and was on reserve until he received full honorable discharge in 1959. He married Nida Amock soon after active duty service ended, on May 25, 1956, at the Naknek Courthouse. They were together until his passing and inseparable in everything they did; anyone who knows them can recall countless times Andrew concluded a sentence with "Ain't that right, mom?" Andrew and Nida had a large family of eight children who they raised in Egegik, Dillingham, Anchorage, and a short time in Washington. Andrew was always working to provide for his family; he was a commercial fisherman first and foremost, a trapper, spent time as a carpenter and completed an entire 20+ year career later in life as a school bus driver and attendant. Up until recently they continued to return to Egegik each summer to spend time with friends and family and put up fish for winter. Andrew was one of the last living elders who was born in Egegik, one of the few Bristol Bay sail boat fishermen still alive, and likely the last person to have ice skated across the frozen tundra from Pilot Point to Egegik. He loved walking, singing gospel music, following the Seattle Mariners, watching fishermen through binoculars out their dining room window in Egegik and spending time with friends and family. He was honest about his flaws and past addictions, and never missed an opportunity to tell his testimony. While those who knew him best were aware of any omissions in his story, nobody could dispute his message that he was a firm believer in Jesus Christ. He was living proof that a person doesn't need to be perfect in order to be loved or show love. Andrew is survived by his wife, Nida; their children, Charles, Molly, Andrea (Ken), Joyce (Matthew), Andrew Jr., Lynda (Scott) and Garrett; 23 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; as well as his sister, Mary (George) Tibbets. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Annie, Tootsie and Stevie; son-in-law, Carl; daughter, Dinah; grandchildren, Ryan and Hannah. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. Due to current circumstances, ceremonies are limited to family only. Information will be shared regarding a future public service if and when one becomes possible. The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and condolences.