Orion Morrissey Nelson
August 13, 1999 – August 29, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Orion Morrissey Nelson, who departed this world after an intensely fought battle with cancer.

Born on August 13, 1999, Orion brought light, laughter, and love to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Orion was the second-born son to Thomas and Shelanda Nelson, and the final addition to their family. From a young age Orion cemented himself as an active community member. From local basketball and baseball teams as well as Boy Scout Troop 180. He didn’t stop there. His love for sports and his community would only continue to grow as he did.

Orion lived with intention, curiosity, and compassion. Through his sharp wit, and acts of kindness, he left a mark on everyone he met. With a smile alone, he could make those around him feel seen, heard, and understood.

In 2016, at the end of Orion’s junior year of high school, he suffered a shoulder injury during a baseball game, which led to him retiring from competitive sports and pivoting into acting during his senior year. He would perform not only in McKinleyville High School’s play, but also in the Advanced Theater Workshop (ATW) shows, which were composed of originally written and popular pieces Through ATW Orion would make numerous lasting friendships, including a friendship with Jeweleanna, who he would later marry.

Orion graduated from McKinleyville High School in 2017. He would go on to be the sous-chef at Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville, a favorite place of his family’s while growing up. There he would serve the community daily. You could spot him at almost every community event in the SixRiv booth, laughing, smiling, and singing along to the surrounding music. While working as a sous-chef, Orion would also graduate with an Associates degree in Liberal Arts: Science Exploration. His studies were not his true passion. Instead, Orion had a deep love of music and sports. He could name a song, the album it was off of and the year it was produced, for nearly any genre. The Warriors, the Giants, and the Buccaneers were his teams, and he would often speak about how football was his favorite to watch, and baseball was his favorite to play. There was hardly a time where he missed a game.

Orion is survived by his wife Jeweleanna Nelson, his parents Thomas Nelson and Shelanda Nelson, his brother Connor Nelson, and numerous close friends. His loss leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will be cherished, honored, and carried forward by the many people who loved him.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Six Rivers Brewery, where friends and family are welcome to come together in remembrance and celebration of Orion’s life.

Please, do not feel the need to wear black, as it is not that kind of service. Instead, remember Orion’s favorite color was orange and he loved sports, even if your gear rivaled his teams.

Final arrangements were provided by Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary.