Donald Thomas Nelson

Donald Thomas Nelson, 88, of Astoria, Oregon, passed away Monday, April 24, 2017. Donald is survived by his son, Jeffrey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, who died July 10, 2001. Donald was a lifelong mariner, with a distinguished 38 year career with the Columbia River Bar Pilots, including the operator of the Pilot Boat, Peacock, for 21 years . His maritime service included:

Gilnetting 1941-1945

Pilot Boat 1947-1950

U.S. Navy 1950-1954

Pilot Boat 1954-1981

Donald was recently featured on OPB’s Oregon Field Guide on the program. “Columbia River Bar Pilots”, first broadcast on October 20, 2016. Donald loved watching ‘Pawn Stars’ and ‘American Pickers’, as well as the man he called his ‘weather god’, KGW’s Matt Zafino. He had impeccable penmanship, and was an artist as well, creating a wall sculpture with sailor knots that hung in a local restaurant in Astoria. He also loved antiques, coins, and baseball cards. He also enjoyed his restored 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix, and sorely missed his black 1953 Oldsmobile 440 that he sold in 1966, a decision he later regretted. Donald was loved by all who knew him and he will be sorely missed. His ashes will be scattered at sea, per his final wishes. He was a life-long Astoria resident. Whenever you asked him how he was doing, he would say, ‘Just like you look, mighty fine’.