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Seaside, CA

Steven C. “Steve” Nelson a long-time resident of the Monterey Peninsula, passed away after a long illness on January 9, 2025. Steve came to Monterey at Age Ten when his father, Robert W. Nelson (d. 2005) joined the faculty of Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) in 1958. After graduating from Pacific Grove Highschool in 1966, he volunteered with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference registering voters in Orangeburg, SC. He attended MPC initially majoring in Music Appreciation and History, and was awarded an Associate of Arts degree as an English major in June, 1989.

Steve worked as a truck driver and made many cross-country trips while employed by the former Willis Shaw Express Company. Later in his trucking career, Steve drove for I.T. Corp. participating in “Operation Get the Lead Out”. This resulted in removal of thousands of tons of lead-contaminated soil from the former Fort Ord Army Reservation.

Steve also delivered produce for Bryant Miller Trucking. Prior to retirement, he was a house painter employed by several area contractors.

A self-taught guitarist, Steve also "ear-learned" the clarinet, piano, saxophone and violin.

Steve played with several local bands including The Long Valley Boys and was a performing musician at The Strawberry Bluegrass Festival. He was an avid Forty-Niners and Raiders fan and followed several other Bay Area sports teams. Steve often golfed and even tried bronco riding in Texas, breaking ahand. In his younger days, Steve was a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed riding and maintaining them. He was an active member of Elks Lodge 1285, Sons of the American Legion's Post 41 and The Clampers, Monterey Chapter 1.5.

Steve’s wife of 38 years, Sidney (Hadden) Nelson predeceased him Aug. 1, 2017. He is survived by three daughters, Alicia (Hollister) Lopez of Fresno, Amber Harris of Roseville, Brandy Nelson of Seaside, his brothers David of Oakton, VA, Clay of Sonora, Nancy (Nelson) Monihan of Sparks, NV, Kari (Nelson) Goodwin of Olympia, WA, his eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren, with a third on the way. A celebration of Steve's eventful life is planned for a later date.