Bruce Edwin "Ben" Nelson born on February 7, 1931, in Mt. Vernon, WA passed away surrounded by family at his home in Redmond, WA on January 21, 2026. He was the son of Bruce V. and Omega H. Nelson of Mt. Vernon, WA. The nickname "Ben" came from the first initials of his first, middle and last name and was used early on so as not to be confused with his father's name Bruce. Ben grew up in Mt. Vernon WA and attended Mt. Vernon Union High School where he was actively involved in Student Council, the Latin Club, Thespians, and the Hi-Y leadership program through the YMCA. After graduating high school, Ben followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Sandy, and attended the State College of Washington in Pullman, WA (known today as Washington State University). Ben was actively involved in ROTC and lived in Waller Hall until his junior year when he lived at the WSU fire house while working with the campus maintenance crew until he finished school. After Ben graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1954, he joined the Air Force serving 2 years of active duty and another 8 years in the reserves. Shortly after active duty, Ben went on to work for Pacific Northwest Bell ("the telephone company") for 33 years. In February of 1960, Ben met the love of his life, Ellen "Peggy" Nelson (Ramberget), and later in December of that year they were married. Ben and Peg lived in Bellevue where they raised their two sons and were active members of Grace Lutheran Church. When the boys were young you would often find them on camping trips during the summer, Lake Curlew was often a favorite. During their early years of marriage, Ben and Peg purchased a family beach cabin at McKees Beach in Stanwood, WA. They spent many summers, weekends and vacations at "The Cabin" enjoying special times with family and friends where everyone was welcome. It was there that they developed a love for fishing and would often go on fishing trips with family, friends and neighbors. A favorite and frequent fishing spot was in Sekiu WA. Ben's other passions were genealogy, family history, digital photography, and volunteering with the Telephone Pioneers. Over the years, you could always find Ben with a cup of coffee in his hand. After 54 years of marriage in 2016, Ben lost Peg. This was a tough year as Ben lost his wife Peg, brother Sandy, and oldest son Brian in the same year. It was an emotional time but included a ray of sunshine. Ben met and married Carolyn (Grey) in 2017 at their senior community, Emeral Heights, in Redmond, WA. Ben and Carolyn enjoyed taking trips including a memorable cruise which took them to Norway, Scotland, and London. Ben is survived by his wife Carolyn, son Kevin (Linda); daughter in law Lisa; grandsons Eric, Michael, and Christopher, granddaughters Abbey and Ellie as well as many loving nieces and nephews. On Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2 p.m. a celebration of life will be held. The location of the service will be in the Emerald room of Emerald Heights retirement community in Redmond, WA (10901 176th Circle NE). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stanwood, or Redmond Historical Society.