A. Noel Nelson passed away peacefully May 28, 2013 in Burien at the age of 82.
A lifelong Seattleite, Noel was the fifth and youngest child of Oscar and Violet Nelson. He was born in Seattle on Christmas Day, 1930 and grew up in the Green Lake area. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, Noel went on to earn a B.A. in Education from Central Washington University and then an M.S. in Physical Education from the University of Washington. Noel served two years in the post-WWII US Army of Occupation in Germany before returning to his career as a professional educator. He began as an Elementary teacher, then P.E. and Wood Shop but quickly advanced thru various administrative positions to serve as an Elementary School Principal in the Highline School District from 1974 until his retirement in 1987.
Outside of his professional life, Noel dedicated much of his time and talent to various volunteer organizations including the Boy Scouts, the Red Cross, and the National Ski Patrol and was a proud and loving family man. In keeping with his background in Phys Ed, he remained active in some of his favorite recreational activities including Softball, Boating, and Skiing well into his mid-70s. He was also an accomplished amateur woodworker, builder, electrician, plumber, and all-around “DIY-er.”
Noel is survived by his wife of 38 years, Julie, his sister Adrienne Schmidt, his five children, Greg, Gary, Jeanne, Rodger, and Monica, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.]]>
