
We are saddened to report that Michael Nelson, PGA, of Newport, Oregon, passed away on January 14, 2025, at the age of 77.
Michael “Mike” Nelson passed away on January 14, 2025 in the exemplary care of the Portland VA Medical Center, OR at the age of 77. He was born in Lahaina, HI, son of Michael and Joan Nelson, and raised primarily in Hawaii, his family having lived on most of the islands throughout his youth and into early adulthood. He was a proud graduate of Hawaii Preparatory Academy, class of ’65, and attended both Colorado College and University of Hawaii, Manoa where he earned a BBA in Business Management in ‘72. Between colleges Mike served in the Army National Guard and was deployed to Viet Nam, where he joined the Special Forces, 75th Airborne Rangers at Chu Lai and My Lai (posted at My Lai a year after the infamous massacre). His goal was to survive, which he did. Subsequently he suffered from PTSD but its severity was not recognized until many years later and Mike sadly self-medicated to quiet the demons that returned with him from that experience. It was the internal ravages to his body from his attempts to escape the memories and subsequent use of over the counter pain relievers combined with alcoholism that caused the failure of his body and organs.
Michael was a superb all-around athlete, initially focusing mainly on baseball with a mean south paw pitching arm. He played and taught tennis. Along the way he enjoyed surfing, fishing, hunting and any outdoor activity. He professionally turned his focus to golf and earned membership in the PGA in 1998, Pacific Northwest Section, with Oregon affiliate membership with OPGA. Golf took him to work at courses in Hawaii, California and Oregon and he participated in tournaments throughout the USA (winning
a few and often placing well). Mike settled in South Beach, Oregon in the early 90’s. With that as his home base he was associated with courses Kah-Nee-Ta, Olalla, Agate Beach and, most recently, Crestview. While an excellent golfer in his own right, he particularly enjoyed being a golf instructor and his legacy is best viewed in his passion for teaching juniors and anyone else with the desire to learn or improve their game
Mike will be remembered for his generous nature, “aloha spirit,” smile and twinkling ice-blue eyes. He made friends easily and will be missed by many. He is survived by his sisters Gail Hill and Mary Lou Larsen, and his niece Stephanie Tipton. At Michael’s request, no services are planned. Memorial contributions are suggested either to a youth or high school golf program in your locality or through the Pacific North West PGA Foundation (tax ID number 93-0883274). Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation there in Mike’s name can send a check to the following address:
PNWPGA – ATTN – Rebekah Woods
PO Box 14819, Tumwater, WA 98511
These funds will be designated for junior golf/player development purposes. Rest in peace, Mike. Your legacy, laughter and love for the game will continue to inspire us all.