Jack Curtis Nelson, 56, of Sumpter died Oct. 27, 2007, at his home after a long battle with cancer.
There will be a memorial service later at Sumpter. Cremation was by Eastern Oregon Pioneer Crematory of Baker City.
Jack was born on Aug. 13, 1951, at Milwaukie to Mr. and Mrs. Dean Nelson.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He learned these skills at an early age from his father and grew up to love them even more.
At one time, Jack had studied to become a forest ranger. He worked at GI Joe’s in Milwaukie for 11 years. After retiring, he moved to Sumpter where he worked on an already established family placer/hard-rock mining claim.
Jack met and married Gail A. Mahoney of Sumpter on Sept. 21, 1990, in the little community church in Sumpter, almost across the street from their home. They were 20 minutes late for their wedding – a funny and happy memory now.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Gail Nelson of Sumpter; cousins, Tom and Sharon Novatany of Sandy; and an aunt, Bonnie Barnett of Milwaukie.
Memorial contributions may be made to the La Grande Humane Society through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, October 30, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor