Robert P "Bob" Nelson

In the early hours of June 25, 2024, after a courageous battle with melanoma, Robert Paul Nelson, age 70, of Port Huron, entered into eternal rest with Jesus Christ.

Bob was born in Lodi, California on December 24, 1953, to Helen and Lloyd Nelson. During elementary school, the family moved from San Leandro, California to Fremont, Michigan where Bob’s father was transferred by Gerber Products Company. He became an Eagle Scout and excelled in music while in high school, playing the clarinet. Bob graduated from Fremont High School in 1972 and went on to Michigan Technological University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and a master’s degrees in civil engineering (MSCE). At Tech, he was an active member of the school’s Pep Band, attending all of Tech’s hockey games.

Upon graduation, Bob relocated to Port Huron and subsequently became a registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Michigan and Ohio. His expertise was in civil and marine engineering. Bob spent his professional life with Tetra Tech designing marine-related structures, many of which are on the Great Lakes shorelines including the St. Clair Riverbank Restoration Project. His work included coastal restoration and protection, fish passage projects, marinas, piers, dam removals, wetland restorations, and municipal utility design. He truly made the world a better place through his innovative, practical, and insightful engineering and cost estimating abilities.

Bob’s life-long love of music was demonstrated by his active 40-year membership in the International Symphony Orchestra of Port Huron and Sarnia. He played clarinet and served as an ISO Board Member during that time. Bob was a very private person, but those who came to know him found a sincere, kind, and generous friend.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Lloyd and Helen Nelson. He is survived by his brother, William (Elizabeth) Nelson; a niece Lindsay Nelson; a nephew Gabriel (Jessie) Nelson, and great nephews Finn and Jack Nelson. Bob is also survived by a wide-ranging group of wonderful friends.

True to his private nature, Bob requested no memorial service. His cremated remains will be buried with his parents at Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont, Michigan. The family requests those wishing to honor Bob to consider a donation to the International Symphony Orchestra of Sarnia and Port Huron, P. O. Box 610242, Port Huron, Michigan 48061.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com