Nelson Peter Raynes

Nelson was an extremely private individual and so many details of his life are unknown to me. ( I am the daughter-in-law of his companion of 30+ years, Margo von Phul, who passed away December 28, 2024, also in Santa Barbara. )

What little I do know tells quite a tale. I’m pretty sure Nelson was born in Maine and was at least part Mohawk Indian. As I understand it, his childhood was a painful one and he left home at a young age. At some point he married, had a son, and later divorced. I’m not sure of the accuracy of nor can i verify this information, but it is my understanding that his son may have pre-deceased him by at least 20 years.

It is not known to me if Nelson was drafted or if he enlisted in the military, but I do know he served in Vietnam, seeing lots of combat, some of which, he told my husband, was hand-to-hand. Many times he was exposed to Agent Orange, the effects of which were the cause of all the health issues he endured during at least the last third of his life, including complete and excruciatingly painful blindness.

Nelson was always a physical person. After his military service he was an iron worker. From my research, i discovered that Mohawk Indians are known for their fearlessness and this trait was certainly true for him. He worked the “high steel” (building sky scrapers) for many years. He was also an extra in several Hollywood films and did movie stunt work as well (though never credited, to my knowledge). I think he would be called a “street performer” and enjoyed demonstrating his physical prowess. One of the ways he showcased his abilities was by walking on his hands for extended periods of time, even climbing steps during his performances. At the risk of sounding quite politically incorrect, I would say he was one tough “man’s man”, not someone you would want to underestimate.

As is the case with lots of people, his life was not easy. There were many problems and health issues, but right up til the end he was strong, stubborn, and fought the good fight.

I wish you well, Nelson, and send you on your way to your next “performance”.