Robert "Bob" Bernard Nelson

March 24, 1957 - October 13, 2020

Robert “Bob” Bernard Nelson, 63, of Tacoma, Washington passed away on October 13, 2020. He was born on March 24, 1957 in Tacoma, WA to Nels and Marilyn Nelson. Robert is survived by his wife Margarita “Margie” Tabios Nelson, father-in-law Faustino Tabios, sister-in-law Erlinda delos Santos, brothers-in-law Florendo (Alma) Tabios and Melandrino (Myrna) Tabios, nieces and nephews Myrna (Patrick) Kittredge, Alona (David) Watson, Sam delos Santos, Floyd (Alyssa) Tabios, Myles Tabios, Chandler & Cameron Watson, Apolonia & Anna Tabios. He is also survived by his older brother William (Mary Lou) Nelson, nephews Chris & Scot Nelson and niece Kaili Nelson of Washington State. Robert is pre-deceased by his parents, younger brother John Nelson, mother-in-law Monica Tabios and sister-in-law Nicolasa Tabios, brother-in-law Elpidio Delos Santos, nieces Marilyn, Maria, Magdalena & Marissa Delos Santos, uncles Robert Marquette, Jack (Arline-deceased) Nelson, Donald Marquette and Phillip (Veva-deceased) Marquette. Robert graduated from Stadium High School. Then attended Washington State University & received two bachelor’s degrees in business and economics. After college Robert & his fraternity brothers moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. He worked for Hawaiian Dredging Construction for 17 years. His career began as a cost engineer, project engineer, project manager and project superintendent. His projects in Maui & Lanai included Kapalua Airport, Sheraton Maui Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel, Westin Maui Hotel, Manawainui Bridge, Lahaina Aquatic Center, Manele Bay Hotel and Kahekili (old Kaanapali airport) Beach Park. In 1997 Robert & Margie moved to Tacoma, Washington. Robert worked as a longshoreman at the Port of Tacoma during his high school summers and then from 1997 to 2020. Robert’s favorite place to be was at the lake cabin property with Margie and their pet dogs, Pootie and Lucy. He loved camping, hiking, riding his ATV four-wheeler and building the cabin. Robert loved reading history & political books, playing cribbage & Scrabble. Boxing was his favorite sport. He had a speed bag & heavy bag in the garage. As a boy, he studied karate. Robert also ran the Honolulu Marathon. He took pride in taking care of the lawn at home in Tacoma & at the lake cabin property. Most of all, Robert was a dedicated & loving husband, son, brother, nephew, uncle and friend. He made sure everyone was taken cared of. We will miss him dearly and hold cherished memories of him in our hearts forever. Father Augustine of Christ the King Catholic Church will preside over the gravesite burial at Maui Memorial Park - Garden of Meditation in Wailuku, Maui. Big thank you to all the friends and family who helped Margie after Robert’s death. “Love and kindness are never wasted”