ALCOAST 225/18 - JUN 2018 DEATH OF RETIRED FLAG OFFICER

R 131435 JUN 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-13//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05360//
ALCOAST 225/18
COMDTNOTE 5360
SUBJ:  DEATH OF RETIRED FLAG OFFICER
A. USCG Regulations 1992, COMDTINST M5000.3 (series)
1. It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Rear Admiral Edward Nelson, Jr.,
USCG (retired), who passed away on Tuesday, 05 June 2018, in Astoria, OR at the age of 87.
2. By order of the Commandant and IAW REF (a), the National Ensign shall be flown at half mast
on all Coast Guard buildings, grounds, and vessels not underway from sunrise until sunset on
Saturday, 16 June 2018, in honor of RADM Nelson.
3. RADM Nelson was born on 17 March 1931 in Worcester, MA and was a 1953 graduate of the
United States Coast Guard Academy. Following two years of weather patrols in USCGC MENDOTA out
of Wilmington, NC, he completed flight training and served at air stations in Salem, MA;
Argentia, Newfoundland; New Orleans, LA; Port Angeles, WA; Astoria, OR; and Kodiak, AK,
commanding Air Station / Group Astoria, and Air Station Kodiak. He served tours as Chief,
War Plans Branch and as Chief, Officer Personnel Division at Coast Guard Headquarters prior to
serving as Chief of Operations and then Chief of Staff for the Seventeenth Coast Guard
District in Juneau, AK.
4. Promoted to Rear Admiral in May 1982, RADM Nelson served as the 32d Superintendent of the
USCG Academy from 1982-86 and as Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard District in
Juneau, AK from 1986-89. He retired in 1989 after 36 years’ Coast Guard service. He was the
11th Ancient Albatross – the longest serving aviator on active duty.
5. After retirement, RADM Nelson and his wife settled in Astoria, OR, where he served in
numerous positions, including two years as a port commissioner, library board member, and the
Board of Trustees for Columbia Memorial Hospital for over 20 years. He also served on the
national board of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and started a local MOAA
chapter, serving as its president and as the state council president.
6. RADM Nelson is survived by Joyce Nelson, his wife of 65 years; three children, Edward Darrell
Nelson, Sandra Nelson, and Keith Nelson, their respective spouses, and four grandchildren; and
four nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Nelson.
7. A memorial service is planned for 1000 on 16 June 2018 at USCG Sector Columbia River.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the USCG Academy Alumni Association (www.cgaalumni.org)
in his name. His inurnment will be at the USCG Academy Columbarium in New London, CT.
8. RADM Nelson’s full obituary can be found at:
http://www.dailyastorian.com/obituaries/20180611/obituary-rear-adm-edward-nelson-jr.
9. RDML M. W. Sibley, Acting Director, Reserve and Military Personnel, sends.
10. Internet release authorized.