The true test of a person’s character lies in one’s ability to love without want. Delbert W. Nelson, 60 years old, of West Richland WA. left us on Tuesday July 20th with a rich history of unselfish love, honesty and undeniable integrity. As a father, he taught us about strength, perseverance, and love without conditions. As a husband, he showed us how to be devoted with standards of priority, trust and unending compassion.

Del was born December 25, 1943 in Kellogg, Idaho to Wallace and Ester Nelson. From Kellogg, he and his family moved to Anaconda, Montana were Del spent the majority of his next thirty years, until moving to the Tri-Cities in 1981. Del’s career consisted of 20 years as a mason / bricklayer working in the smelting and construction industry, and 21 years employed at Hanford filling many different job titles and roles.

Delbert is survived by his life long love and wife Sherry Nelson, son Tony Nelson, both of West Richland, and sister Kathy Gallie of Butte, Montana. Del was an avid outdoorsmen who loved to fish, hike, and most of all snowmobile. He found beauty in all of nature and spent most of his free time yearning to be in the mountains. Along with the joy he found in nature, Del truly enjoyed fast cars. He had a life quest to own and drive them all.

Del will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends, but the life lessons and love he left behind will continue to be felt by those who loved him the most. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am, Monday, July 26th, 2004 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland, WA. A luncheon will follow graveside services at the Knights of Columbus.