Gary was born on Aug. 2, 1939, to Albert and Oretta (Lusk) Nelson. He joined brother Dale at home. Later, sister Joan and brothers Rodney and Rick were born.
Gary spent his entire life in the Doty-Dryad area, with the exception of two years in the Army in Colorado. If he had to leave, he came home to visit as fast as he could—over the mountains, winter snow, bald tires and all.
He started his working career with John Zock Logging and later Weyerhaeuser Pe Ell, where he worked 46 years. He spent many years falling old-growth timber and training young men to fall trees. Gary retired from operating the road grader, many winter days starting at 3 a.m. to clear logging roads of snow.
His favorite times were spent on his beloved farm. He always tried to be the first to cut hay in the spring and had excellent quality. He raised beef cattle and had many loyal customers for years. They said his beef was always the best and would order a year ahead. They were very sorry when he began to downsize and stopped raising beef. He was a John Deere fan all the way and would have no other tractor.
He married Chris Arnold, and they had a daughter, Cyndi. He later married Merrie Lee Schiminesky. They were together 44 years, working well together building a home, saving a sagging barn and running the farm.
He is survived by his wife, Merrie; daughter, Cyndi; grandson, Levi; sister, Joan Johnson; brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Suzanne Nelson; sister-in-law, Joyce Nelson; and many other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dale and Rodney; and grandson, Jordan.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Doty-Dryad Fire Department.
There will be a graveside service at Dryad Cemetery on Sept. 27, 2025, at 11 a.m., with a gathering to follow at the Doty Fire Hall. You may bring a dish to share if you like.
