Robert "Bob" Bernard Nelson's Obituary
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”
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
