Ronald Dean Nelson

Ronald Dean Nelson passed peacefully in his sleep from complications of lung cancer weds December 9, 2015 at Serenity House at the age of 71. Ronnie was born in Kansas January 26, 1944 and moved to Santa Barbara with his family as a young child. He attended Washington elementary, La Cumbre Jr. High, and Santa Barbara High School. Ronnie spent most of his younger days surfing, was a member of Santa Barbara Surf Club and spent many of years surfing Hollister Ranch in the 1960s. Ronnie was a accomplished surfer, loved the ocean , enjoyed visiting friends at the “The Pit” and playing with his loving dog “Scooter.” Ronnie is survived by his mother Betty, sister Patricia, children Dennis, Joy, Janel, Elaina, Josh, 6 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. A memorial will be announced for family and friends at a later date. Ron’s family would like to thank the staff at both Serenity House and Cottage Hospital for providing his life with amazing comfort and care during his last phase of life.