He was born on February 27, 1925 at San Diego County Hospital.  Bob was already 22 when I was born at Mercy Hospital.  His parents, Carl Nelson and Ruth Gonzales, resided in Point Loma. The family later moved to Los Angeles where Bob graduated from high school.  

Attaining age 18, he immediately enlisted in the United States Navy in February, 1943.  After basic training and special training, he was assigned to the USS Morris (DD417), a Sim Class flagship destroyer that was in the thick of numerous battles in the Pacific Theater.  Bob was a Seaman Second Class and was a radar operator associated with combat fire control (AFCM).  The USS Morris was the first destroyer to have this top secret feature which defended the ship and enhanced its offensive capabilities.  His responsibilities were essential to the well being and safety of his ship, his crewmates, the Task Force, the Fleet and provided effective striking power.  During Bob's duty, numerous campaigns were fought: Attu and Kiska (Alaska), Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Hollandia (New Guinea), Biak Island, Leyte Gulf, and Luzon.  These campaigns ranged from escort duty, invasion support, reconnaissance, search and destroy, crew rescue and recovery, anti-aircraft (conventional and kamikazes), to anti-submarine warfare.  During the Pacific Theater, the USS Morris earned 15 battle stars in total.  This ship played a major part in defeating the enemy in the Pacific.  Bob was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal, among others.  Due to medical reasons, he was Honorably Discharged in January 1945 for "Honest and Faithful" service.  He emerged as a valuable team player during this time and is one of a vanishing breed of "The Greatest Generation."  We are proud of his service and salute him for a job well done.

After returning to Los Angeles, Bob worked at a number of different jobs.  He then relocated to San Diego where he went to work for Mercy Hospital.  He was in Materials Management and performed valuable functions and made many contributions.  He retired from these duties after some 30 years of dedicated service.  When he left, he was greatly missed by his co-workers because of his personality and complete knowledge of his job.  

In 1956 Bob met the love of his life, Robert Lee Reichardt “known affectionately to his friends as “Little Bob”.  Bob and Bob lived most of their life together in a home they bought in San Diego’s Middletown.

Bob enjoyed his retirement with great enthusiasm, extensively traveling across the USA and world with his lifelong companion “Little Bob”.

Bob acquired a fantastic collection of religious, cultural, and historical artifacts.  His beloved library included volumes concerning history, religion, art, and military information.  He also built a library of videos and recordings covering a wide range of subjects some of which have been donated in his behalf to the Lambda Archives.  

What many people did not know about Bob was that he was a self-taught and very accomplished artist whose creative pen and ink drawings were astonishing in his treatment of exquisite and intricate details.  He was famous for including in his works little vignettes which were surprising and extremely humorous.  Another little known fact is that Bob enjoyed working with clay and created artistic detailed works of art in that medium.  Many years ago he gave me one of his extensive works in clay – an entire Mexican Village.  It is still one of my fondest gifts.

His all-time favorite pet was a small but frisky Dachshund dog named Heidi which he joyfully spoiled rotten and in return, she would perform tricks.  On every visit to Bob & Bob’s home guests would be greeted by Heidi.  After Heidi passed away, her remains were kept close to Bob; she meant the world to him.

Bob was a devout Catholic, but was not adverse to challenging ideology and dogma.  His knowledge and intellect was very sharp and penetrating and also at times, quite unconventional.  He was a worthy conversationalist.  He was very active and supportive of many organizations including Meals-on- Wheels, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Navy League of the US, to name a few. As for Dignity Bob was one of the pioneers of the Gay Catholic Movement in the Church with over 30 years of service.  He was extremely generous in giving charitable contributions to various worthwhile causes.  He was a champion of the underdog.  Among his many contributions to Dignity, Bob served as the San Diego Chapter president from March 1979 – March 1980.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Albert Herrera, his two sisters, Connie Ryan and Minnie Zellmer, and his cousin, Geraldine Wagner.   Bob was the family historian, much appreciated and respected and loved by his family.  

Bob was predeceased by his longtime friend and partner, Robert Reichardt, who passed away in 1992.  I will never forget the heart wrenching phone call from “Little Bob” when he got the diagnosis of his illness – colon cancer.

Bob Nelson is survived by four nieces, Mary Anne Elias of Apple Valley, Leslie Anne Wagner of Warner Springs, Ruth Louise Brock of Fallon, Nevada, and Janice Wedge of San Diego. He is also survived by four cousins, Pat Boudreau of Fletcher Hills, Barbara Sherman of La Canada, Annabelle Lloyd of Las Vegas, and Dolores Reed of Los Angeles. His longtime friend and neighbor, Mary Francis Gross of Lexington, Kentucky is another valued survivor.  

Bob always gave a good account of himself.  His wit, humor, and humanity will be missed, but his delightful memories will be held dear by his beloved family, dear friends, and associates.  He was a survivor who enjoyed life and is now in a far, far better place in good company.

I know that I speak for the many who knew Bob when I say that we are all better for having had Bob in our lives.

Whenever I am feeling sad I remember some of my favorite things.

And when it comes to Bob Nelson I remember his wit and his laughter.  I remember the great times spent with Bob & Bob at the Famous Cotton Patch Restaurant.  I remember Heidi and how cute and affectionate she was.  I remember home cooked meals at their home.  I remember our trip to Ensenada.  I remember the Dignity convention in San Francisco we attended together in 1989.  I remember how much Bob loved Carne Asada at the Casa de Bandini in Old Town.  I remember his many thoughtful notes and the post cards from trips abroad.  I remember the stories of how the Bob’s got lost in the Vatican. I remember that Bob was a dear friend and I miss him now.  We all have the consolation of the many happy memories of Bob.

Whenever I am feeling sad I remember some of my favorite things – and that includes times spent in Bob’s company.

The family has asked that donations be given to Dignity in lieu of flowers.

A Rosary was on Thursday, May 14th, 7 p.m. performed by Dignity in the Salli Lynn Chapel and followed with interment Friday, May 15th, 11 a.m. at Greenwood Mortuary (South on 805, West on Imperial).

Eulogy given by Pat McArron

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