Nelson Vernon Vineyard: ‘A Kind, Generous Family Man’

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Nelson Vernon Vineyard

Nelson Vernon Vineyard passed away on November 5, 2022, in Santa Cruz, at age 69.  As a young man, Nelson put down roots in Humboldt County, whose redwoods and rivers forever held a special place in his heart.  As life brought him farther south to Capitola and Palo Alto, he brought his tool box with him.  Over 38 years, Nelson worked his way from a novice carpenter to a commercial construction superintendent, overseeing multimillion dollar projects in high rises and office buildings.

Outside of work, his spare time was filled with an array of interests from abalone diving, to gardening, to competitive cycling, to beach time with the grandkids.  Not only athletic and intelligent, Nelson was a kind, generous family man who never missed an opportunity to crack a joke and make someone smile.  Diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia in 2017, Nelson moved back to Capitola where he enjoyed daily walks to the wharf, learned to surf for the first time, and became a well-known friendly face around the village.

Nelson is survived by his wife of 34 years, Leslie; children Meighan, Iris, and Clark; brothers Paul and Dan; grandchildren Miranda, Miles, and Owen; and several nephews and nieces.  He will be forever missed and remembered by his family and friends, and all who loved him.