Dallas J.C. Nelson, 66

Dallas J.C. Nelson died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, of a brain hemorrhage at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born April 1, 1944, in Kalispell and grew up in Whitefish. A 1964 graduate of Whitefish High School, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. On Nov. 5, 1972, Dallas married the love of his life, Marilyn Patton. Together, they purchased a farm west of Kalispell where they grew hay and raised their children, livestock from dairy cows to pigs to chickens to beef cattle, and many beloved dogs and cats. Dallas, a trained welder, had many talents including building and operating computers, building violins, fishing, hunting, refurbishing antique cars, rebuilding boats and remodeling his home. He was an expert cook, particularly on his barbecue and smoker. Dallas was the proud ride captain of the Patriot Guard, a motorcycle group that honors veterans by assisting with funerals and locating veterans unclaimed remains at funeral homes, for burial with military honors. Dallas is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Allie, and husband, Kevin, Sturgess; sons, Bill and John; son-in-law, Tim Grant; brother, Jerry, and wife, Sarah; sister, Betty, and husband, Bill Baldwin; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Daughter Sarah Fern, son Dallas Raymond, and daughter Dawn Grant preceded him in death. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Glacier Memorial Cemetery, immediately followed by a potluck at the Flathead Valley Cowboy Church on U.S. 93 North. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to leave a personal message or sign Dallas book.