Edward William Nelson

To quote our Dad: “No regrets, It’s been one heck of a ride.” Edward W Nelson (Poppy) passed away at home in Gig Harbor on Feb 4, 2010, surrounded by his family and has gone to join his late wife Iola “Mommer” in a special place. Ed was born in 1920 in Tacoma, grew up in Port Orchard and graduated from South Kitsap Union High School in 1938. Enthralled with flight, he joined the Army Air Corp and trained in aircraft repair and maintenance. He served in the Aleutian Islands during WWII. Ed met his future wife, Iola, at the Bremerton Airport and they married in 1948. Ed flew Stearman biplanes and crop dusted throughout the west and the stories of these exploits would fill a book. Edward was a well respected business owner on Boeing Field. With his partner Hank, he operated E & H Aircraft which was an aircraft maintenance shop that repaired all kinds of general aviation airplanes. In reality, there was nothing that he could not fix. His love of aviation evolved into a love of boating. He and Iola spent many years cruising the Northwest and Alaskan waters. As members of The Seattle and Rainier Yacht clubs, he enjoyed the many people they met while cruising. Ed was preceded in death by his wife Iola. He is survived by his four children, Mike (Louise), Steve (Michelle), Chris Miner (Tom), Jennifer Miles (James); seven grandchildren and one great grandchild, who loved him dearly and cherish all they learned from the great examples he set in life. Funeral services will be at Haven of Rest, Gig Harbor on Saturday Feb 13 at 11:00am. Following the service there will be refreshments and a Celebration of Life at the home of Steve Nelson in Gig Harbor at 1:30pm. Please leave a favorite story or condolence at www.havenrest.com.