Cedric "Rick" Nelson

Cedric S. “Rick” Nelson

Rick was born at the home of his grandparents in the small town of Jordan, MN on March 3, 1934. He traveled to OR with relatives at the age of 14. At the age 17 he enlisted in the Marine Crops and proudly served in Korea as a helicopter crew chief. Upon his return in 1954 he became a law enforcement officer with the city of Eugene. Two years late he re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and was sent to the island of Bikini for the hydrogen bomb test. Upon his return in 1958 he was reinstated by the Eugene Police Dept. and remained there until his retirement on Dec. 31, 1984.

Following his retirement for the EPD he became a Deputy U.S. Marshall assigned to courtroom duty for approximately 20 years. 

He also found time to volunteer as a bus driver and transported veterans once a week from the Eugene area to the VA Hospital in Portland for treatment for 14 years.

In 1956 he met and married his beloved wife, Joan of 68 years. They became “snowbirds” in later years and enjoyed many happy winters in Yuma, AZ.

Rick enjoyed Family time as well as golfing, fishing, camping & reading. He was an avid Duck fan as well.

Rick is survived by Joan, along with 4 children; Grey (Maya), Shari Huck (Ted), Pamela, and Jeff (Jamie) a sister, Margie Haynes, 5 grandchildren and 9 great-grand children.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Jude’s Catholic Church on Saturday, September 28 at 11:00an, Luncheon to follow at the parish center.

Memorials can be made to St. Vincent de Paul.