Paul M. Nielsen
July 05, 1930 - February 15, 2020
Bellingham, WA
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Paul M. Nielsen
July 05, 1930 - February 15, 2020
Bellingham, WA
Obituary
Paul Michael Nielsen was born and raised on a farm 89 years ago in Mapleton, Iowa. He was from a large family of eleven. Paul moved to Bellingham in 1951. It is here he met his wife Jeanne. Married for 65 years, they raised four children in Bellingham.
Paul loved people and people loved him. He was devoted to his family and many friends. He had a passion for motorcycles and was an active member of the Mt. Baker Motorcycle Club. He was a hero and inspiration to many. He raced until age 87 and was the 70+ Novice AHRMA NW Vintage Motocross Champion for numerous years. Motorcycle racing and the traveling and camaraderie it brought made him happy. Paul was a skilled electrician and mechanic. He was a retired electrician from Georgia Pacific and still met for lunch with the crew. He belonged to Bellingham Athletic Club and for several years he held the Masters Bench Press Senior record. Paul loved his Honda Elsinores, watching football, playing the Buffalo machine, Dairy Queen blizzards, listening to his favorite music, and making us laugh with his stories and “Paul-isms”.
We take comfort in the fact that “WFO” left this world gripping a throttle. “He will get where he is going and there will be only happy tears” are lyrics from his favorite song.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Jeanne, daughters Julee (Joe) Pitalo & Paula (Chuck) Crawford, sons Vernon & John Nielsen, grandsons Travis Tullar & Cole Nielsen, granddaughter Olivia Nielsen, 2 great grandchildren, Colton & Jayden Tullar, one brother Mike Nielsen, two sisters Evelyn Cameron & Carol Nielsen, and many more loving relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
“Those whom we love & lose are no longer where they were before. They are now wherever we are.”
Paul will be laid to rest at Greenacres Memorial Park.
Memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Hospital, Bellingham Firefighters, Harborview Medical Center, & Whatcom Hospice House
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8 responses to Paul M. Nielsen
Reese Dengler says:
February 22, 2020
It was a pleasure knowing Paul from the vintage motocross events he attended and the Bellingham events he helped put on. Rest in peace Paul.
Tara Nielsen says:
February 23, 2020
Paul was a man of many talents. There will be a definite void on Thursday nights at Hannegan without that voice lingering through the air. He’s a legend, this one. My love and condolences to his family-what a great and inspiring man he was and will always be.
Margaret Frost says:
February 24, 2020
My memories of Paul.are of his smile. My thoughts and prayers for Jeanne and family.
Paula says:
February 24, 2020
I couldn’t have asked for a better father. I will love and miss you forever. My life wouldn’t have been the same without you in it. and now, it will never be the same without you here. Go in love and peace Dad. WFO forever.
Olivia Nielsen says:
February 24, 2020
I am so blessed to have inherited my grandpas competitive spirit and love for racing. He always told me how strong I am and I know that is a trait he has also given to me. I know he’s up there on the fastest vintage bike he could find and looking down at us with a smile…and eating all the desserts. I will always love you, grandpa.