For 29 years, 39 days and 10 hours, Chris Nelson filled our hearts with love. Whether gazing at the stars while discussing the meaning of life, strumming a tune on his guitar, applying his keen sense of math and craftsmanship to a carpentry project, traveling to Botswana to fly falcons over developing agricultural lands, or just hanging out with friends … Chris left an indelible mark on our lives. In the telling of stories shared after his passing, we laughed to hear of Chris' determination to learn a complex rap lyric – a departure from his usual, preferred rock and roll, blue grass and folk. Rap - really? Of course. Chris' diverse interests – unicycling, juggling, fire-dancing, glass-blowing, and even trying to set a new Guinness World Record with 5,000+ hops on a pogo stick (his sister lost count after that) – were matched only by his unbelievable talent in mastering them. As a child, he gobbled up academic assignments and challenges with ease. How was it so easy for him to call out the answer to his sister's 5th grade math problem at the age of only 6 (kindergarten)? How could he get an "A" in AP History while skipping nearly every class to work on projects with Christian in Material Science class? How does a man walk on a golf course with his buddy Bryson and with hardly a nod to any kind of recognized form, swing a club and nail the shot? How can a heart be so big that it fills the room the moment he walks in – enveloping you in a bear hug so authentic and sincere, his very presence lets you know you are deeply loved. Chris leaves behind adoring parents, family and friends, including his father, Jim Nelson; his mother Kathy Hendrickson Staly and stepfather Tom Staly; sister Rachael Nelson Gieseke, brother-in-law Ryan Gieseke, niece Chloe and nephew Garrett; grandmother Hazel Hendrickson; and many others. Also, special animals Ruby Tuesday, Ruka, and D-Lyla. Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, August 18, 2018, 1:00 p.m. at Chaplaincy Health Care, 1480 Fowler Street, Richland, to celebrate his life and share a deep gratitude for the time we had with Chris. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Hungry For Music to support bringing music into the lives of underprivileged children.