~ IN MEMORY ~

PNA/WAL/DL Capt. Ronald Lloyd Nelson

January 27, 1945 – November 24, 2021

Notification with the passing of retired Pacific Northern/Western/Delta pilot Captain Ronald Lloyd Nelson, age 76.  Captain Nelson joined Pacific Northern Airways on 01-16-1967 and made the mergers with Western Airlines and Delta Air Lines.  He was based in SLC and later JFK.  Captain Nelson is survived by his wife Judy, his children, and his grandchildren. Obituary information is available online at https://obituaries.adn.com/adportal/listing/RonaldLloyd-Nelson/W0026544.html

For those who may wish to send a personal note, the family residence is listed on white pages as 

16749 Woods Pointe Cir., 

Anchorage, AK 99516

 Ronald Lloyd Nelson, 76, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 24, 2021.

Ron had a lifetime career in aviation. He began his career with Munz Northern Airlines in Nome, Alaska. He flew for Pacific Northern Airlines, Western Airlines and retired from Delta Airlines as the 777 lead line check captain. Ron then worked for Security Aviation in Anchorage, Alaska. He flew the Gulfstream out to Shemya on a military contract. He ended his career with Hilcorp managing their Twin Otter. 

Ron loved what he did; flying was not a job to him. Ron enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing, and flying. 

Ron leaves behind his wife, Judy; four children, Rhonda Nelson, Kyle Nelson, Ryan Nelson, and Rachelle Wix; and seven grandchildren. 

We lost dad one week ago. He succumbed to a myriad of health issues it seems, but he fought it all so hard that I really didn’t see it coming. At least not so soon. 

Dad was an inspiration to so many, not only to his children and grandchildren but also to his flying community. He spent a lifetime in the air. He was a rare individual and truly a prince among men. 

Dad became a mentor to many young pilots. When I recently mentioned this to a longtime friend of his, he said “Rachelle, your Dad was not only a mentor … but a Legend.”

And Dad really was. But other than that, he was my daddy. He was the most sincere, forthright, and honest man you could ever hope to meet. He knew everything. He had all the answers. He was the epitome of a father, maybe not always, but for sure when it really mattered. His love was the true definition of unconditional. for. every. one. of. us. All four! 

I love you Dad. It’s difficult right now at least, but I can tell you I promise to “press on” and “stay the course.” 

“Bye for now,” keep your rod tip up and your line tight. Love you Dad. 

A service will be held on Dec. 11, 2021, from 1-2 p.m., at All Saint’s Episcopal Church. There will be a final Departure Event following from 2:30-5 p.m., at Ted Stevens International Airport in the North Terminal.