Richard Dale Nelson
December 14, 1955 - February 14, 2025

Richard (Ricky) Dale Nelson passed peacefully on February 14, 2025. He was known to many as “Big Rick, Ricky Jay, Ricky Nelson, Uncle and “Papa”. He was born to Darell and Gloria Nelson in Eureka California as the youngest of three children. Ricky graduated from McKinleyville High School in 1974. While in high school he played football and baseball for the Panthers. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco Giants. Ricky was a proud member of the Yurok Tribe.

For many years he coached Little League in McKinleyville with his buddy Greg Hudson. They coached several championship teams. His love for baseball continued even after he had a tragic accident playing baseball. While playing as an adult, he slid into base and badly shattered his ankle. Over the course of years, he had over twelve surgeries on his foot which eventually lead to his leg having to be amputated. Even though he could no longer play baseball he never missed a game on TV and attended all of his nephews and nieces sorting events and activities.

Ricky helped run the family businesses for over 30 years. He managed the Henderson Center Laundromat in Eureka. After the passing of his stepfather, Delno, Ricky and his sister managed all three of the family laundromats until they were sold in 2023.

Ricky was a wonderful uncle to his nephews and nieces and was always there for them when they were growing up. The older nephews and niece called him uncle but his great niece, Trinity called him “Papa” and he always called her “Princess.” They had a special undescribable bond. He will be deeply missed. Although he had a gruff demeanor, he was a kind hearted man who had a significant impact on many peoples lives.

Ricky is survived by his mother, Gloria Shuster of McKinleyville; sister Linda Ogburn Gillette (Jeff Gillette) of Eureka; niece Barbara Ann Ogburn, Laguna Hills, Calif.; nephews, Ricky and Cory Nelson; great-nephew Dylan Nelson of McKinleyville; great-nieces Trinity Nelson of Eureka and Elizabeth Nelson of Hoopa.

Ricky is predeceased by his sister Diane Nelson; father Darell Nelson; step-fathers Dane Jay and Delno Shuster; and numerous other relatives and friends.

At Ricky’s request there will not be a service but a celebration of life will follow at a later date.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ricky Nelson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.