David “Jack” Nelson, 82, of Florence, died Monday, October 17, 2022.

NELSON—David “Jack” Nelson, 82, of Florence, died Monday, October 17, 2022, of cancer.
He was born April 6, 1940, in Eugene to John and Ina (Buckingham) Nelson. He grew up in Coos Bay and Springfield, and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in business. He served as a Navy officer on the USS Radford.
He married Nancy Hale on March 20, 1977.
He was publisher of the Springfield News until the late 1980s when he purchased Cascade Outfitters, a whitewater equipment and mail order company. He retired in 2000 and moved to Florence.
His passions in life were his family and friends, whitewater rafting, fishing, reading and traveling. His many friends remember him fondly as “The King of Fun” for his enthusiastic approach to life.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; a daughter, Kristin Nelson (John Blanchard) of Boise, Idaho; a sister, Janet Gehlert of Portland; two nieces, Sarah Wolf (David) of Portland and Jennifer Kifer (Chuck) of Olympia, Wash.; brother-in-law Chuck Hale of Eugene; and his beloved dog, Chia.
A private family ceremony will be held on the Rogue River, to be followed at a later date with a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Eugene Mission; to animal rescue non-profit Fuzzy Pawz Rescue, 5731 Mineral Drive, Boise, ID., 83716; or to Peace Harbor Medical Center Foundation in Florence.