Born in Seattle to Albert and Nymah (Egberg) Hunt, Nelson was the eldest of three children. His father’s work as a Boeing engineer and his mother’s career as a registered nurse took the family across the country and gave Nelson a childhood shaped by movement, curiosity and adaptability.
He spent his early years in Seattle and attended high school in New Orleans, graduating from Isidore Newman School in 1967. He then attended The Colorado College, earning his degree in 1971. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard aboard the USCGC Yocona in Astoria, Oregon, he completed his law degree at Willamette University in 1978.
Nelson began practicing law in Lewis County in 1979 as a deputy prosecuting attorney, a role he often said was “the best job I ever had.” He served as Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney from 1990 to 1995 before entering private practice. In 2004, he was elected to the Lewis County Superior Court bench, where he served until his retirement in 2017.
Known for his high standards, sharp mind and unwavering integrity, Judge Hunt expected attorneys to come prepared—and was the first to offer guidance when they did. Courtroom regulars may recall his strict rules about phones (“a real tongue-lashing” was a common consequence) and his ability to balance firmness with deep respect. His personal courtroom motto—“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish”—guided countless attorneys and participants who appeared before him.
Of all his professional accomplishments, Judge Hunt was especially proud of his work with Drug Court. Initially skeptical, he quickly saw its effectiveness and became one of its strongest advocates. He was also instrumental in helping Lewis County voters approve a one-tenth of 1 percent tax to improve local behavioral health services. Many consider these to be among the most meaningful legacies of his nearly 40 years in criminal justice.
Outside the courtroom, Nelson lived a rich and joyful life. He married Martha Hunt in 1981 and together they raised two children, Jefferson and Rachel, before parting ways after 35 years of marriage.
Nelson was immensely proud of his son, Jefferson, now a police officer in Dallas, Texas, and daughter Rachel, an attorney practicing in Lewis County. He adored watching their sporting events and often recorded games to rewatch later. He served for years as the game announcer for W.F. West High School boys’ basketball and frequently donated his announcer pay back to support student athletes in need.
A voracious reader, history buff and “Jeopardy!” whiz, Nelson possessed what many described as a steel-trap mind. He was a world traveler long before backpacking abroad was fashionable, and his explorations took him to Europe, Panama and sunny destinations across the globe, most recently on a cruise to the Southern Caribbean. He loved experiencing new cultures and cuisines, though at home he was happy making his famous Saturday morning pancakes for his children.
Nelson cherished family trips, especially to Lake Chelan, where endless Scrabble games were a tradition. He loved gardening and was known to bring flowers by the bucketful to the office. He was an enthusiastic fan of hockey, soccer, the Seahawks, and, above all, Husky football. His motto for extended family was legendary: “Nobody has life events on Husky Saturdays.” When a cousin once violated the rule, he slipped an earpiece up his sleeve to listen to the game during the wedding ceremony.
A proud Chehalis Rotarian, he delighted in community service and particularly in husking corn at the Southwest Washington Fair.
In addition to his daughter, Rachel (Eric) Hunt; his son, Jefferson Hunt; his brother-in-law, Kirby Unti; numerous nieces; and his former wife, Martha, Nelson is survived by his partner, Si Sarton, whom he met in 2022 and who lovingly cared for him during his final months. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Kimberly Unti and Leslie Simutis.
Judge Hunt will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.
Contributions in Judge Hunt’s memory may be made toward one of two causes he held dear:
Twin Cities Rotary Foundation, VMM Firepit Project (PO Box 6, Chehalis, WA 98532), to support the construction of a new gazebo designed to give veterans a place to gather and share their experiences when they visit the Veterans Museum.
Foundation for Therapeutic Courts of Lewis County (Law & Justice Center, 2nd Floor, 345 W. Main St., Chehalis, WA 98532), in honor of his dedication to Drug Court and its work to help participants overcome addiction and mental health challenges to become productive, law-abiding members of the community.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Veterans Museum, 100 SW Veterans Way in Chehalis.
