Richard Crowther Nelson

Richard (Dick) Nelson of Oakley, Idaho passed away on January 12, 2019.

He was born on April 14th, 1946 in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to Richard and Alice Nelson. He was the middle son with 2 older sisters Francis and Barbara and two younger brothers Larry and Jerry. Most of his formative years were spent in California. In 1964 after graduating high school he enlisted in the navy and served for several years on a Minesweeper vessel based in Japan during Vietnam. He was in the navy for over 8 years. Following his honorable discharge, he pursued his passion for working with mules and horses. He enjoyed training them and spent time packing supplies for the forest service. Mule Days in Bishop, California was often a yearly trip.

His love of all things equine brought him to Idaho in the late1970s.

He was a jack of all trades and was well known for many years in the Oakley area as a fine mechanic. He lived a simple life in material things but was rich in friends and experiences. He never made a fuss about it but when he saw someone in need Dick would give them the shirt off his back.

His many acts of kindness and dry sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Some of his fondest memories were cowboying with his many friends. A highlight was riding and being the camp cook on the Winecup/Gamble Ranch alongside his son. He looked forward every year to hunting season and taking his mules packing. He loved to ride in the mountains but his favorite place was behind a cow.

A stroke in 2016 slowed him down but he still enjoyed the outdoors and trying to help where he could. He was a voracious reader and well versed in a great many subjects. He was immensely proud of his children and loved to brag on them.

He is survived by his children Rich (Shelley) of Florida, Matthew (Erin) of Nevada, Justine of Wyoming, Deanna (Tyrel) of Nebraska, and Jeffrey (Darcy) of Wyoming, numerous grandchildren and a great many friends.

Cremation has taken place with a celebration of life to take place at 5:00 p.m. Saturday January 26, 2019 at the Oakley High School Gymnasium. Memorial donations can be made at the Connections Credit Union in Heyburn, Idaho, under Matthew Nelson.

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