Steven Scott Nelson

Steven Scott Nelson, 68, of Ellensburg, Washington passed away at Prestige Senior Living at Hearthstone, on Monday, July 19, 2021.

Steven was born June 23, 1953 in Seattle, Washington to Sone and Lorraine Nelson.  

Steven is a U.S. Veteran who spent 5 and a half years in service to his country in the Coast Guard. He then worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 40 years.  He was a lover of trains and enjoyed his job, as well as an avid outdoorsman.  Fishing and hunting was a favored past time of his.  In the early years, Steven and his wife, Deborah, enjoyed camping together. Steven had a soft spot for Hoodsport, Washington where his family had a house on the canal. His love of being outdoors and being on the water was shared with his daughters, for when his children were growing up, the family would camp each summer at Lake Chelan.  Another interest, one that passed to his daughters as well, was sports. Steven loved sports and enjoyed watching Gonzaga basketball and Seahawks football, and he was and always will be forever mad that the Supersonics left Seattle. When he wasn’t watching sports, he was watching hunting and fishing shows on TV, or reading the newspapers. Steven’s favorite part of the newspaper was always the crossword puzzles, and no one in the family was allowed to touch his newspaper until he had.  His family will remember him as the family man he was, who worked very hard to provide for his family.  Steven was a man of few words, but his presence was larger than life.  He will be remembered sitting in his recliner with a crossword puzzle, Seahawks baseball cap, and flannel shirt jacket.  And let us not forget his cup of coffee. 

His wife, Deborah, shared her favorite memories were of them taking trips. Her favorite trip with her husband Steven was the trip to Cancun. It was their first trip together, where he bought her a ring and earrings, her favorite jewelry. She recalled them swimming in caves with spiders and sitting in lagoons with the fish swimming around them. She also mentioned that she had her first crab and the margaritas were awesome.

His eldest, Erica, shared her favorite memory of her father, it being the Seahawks playoff game against the Tennessee Titans on January 3rd, 2010.  The father and daughter attended the game together, spending time in Touch Down City before the game and cheering on their favorite team together. Steven and Erica attended a few other Seahawks games as well.  Erica will miss her Seahawks buddy and arguing about Russell Wilson. 

His youngest, Alexa, says her favorite memories of her dad are fishing and hunting trips. Her and Steven always woke up before dark, and he would take Alexa for donuts and chocolate milk on their way. Jameson Lake and Fish Lake in Eastern Washington were their favorite lakes to fish. When they would go hunting, he always let Alexa carry the rifle, which she says made her feel important. Alexa loved being with her Daddy and is also so proud of his career on the railroad.  Alexa says she still gets excited seeing BNSF trains running down the tracks. 

Steven is survived by his wife, Deborah; children Erica and her husband Andrew, Alexa and her husband Steve; Grandchildren, Makenna, Emili, Kaitlyn, Kaydence, Takoda, Kylie, Alexavier and Dominick; Sister, Pam; nephews, Jeff, Sone, and Willie; niece, Paige; mother-in-law, Evelyn; sister-in-law, Rebecca and husband Chris; nephew, Jonathan; sister-in-law, Victoria and husband Todd; and nieces, Samantha and Callie.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Lorraine; father, Sone; and brother, Todd. 

Per Steven’s wishes he will be cremated, and his ashes are to be spread at a later date in the Icicle River in Leavenworth, Washington. Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Steven and his family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com.  Deborah will now be relocating to Blessings of Care in Renton, Washington.