Obituaries

Born at Skagit Valley Hospital, Nelson grew up in Anacortes, WA but had always voiced a desire to explore and experience different parts of the nation. From a young age, he exhibited an inquisitive nature, eager to understand how things worked and driven by a passion for technology. His parents and grandparents nurtured this love of learning, and by the time he turned 18, Nelson earned his GED and actively pursued further knowledge and experience in technology. He worked for local businesses CompUMatter and How It Works in Anacortes, as well as online opportunities.

Through networking, Nelson relocated to Dickson, TN and worked alongside Steven and Angela Curtis at 3D Buzz, making many friends who became family to him—including a friendly fox that would visit regularly. His journey then took him to Palo Alto, CA, to work with Amazon AWS, followed by a final move to Fremont, CA, and a career with Zoox, an Amazon subsidiary that he was passionate about. Nelson loved to discuss how autonomous vehicles will revolutionize transportation.

Along with learning technology, Nelson enjoyed nature, the San Juans (especially Guemes Island), camping and boating with his lifelong friends including Mac Kelly, he was kind to others and when he noticed someone having a difficult time he would offer to lend a hand. Nelson was a thoughtful and introspective person who was enjoyable to have deep conversations with. As a child, Nelson was very active and soaked up the world around him. As an adult, he was a peacemaker and problem solver.

Nelson was preceded in death by his brother Ryan LaQuet, aunt Debbie LaQuet Munro, stepdad Robert Folkes, his grandparents Donald and Sharon Marlow, David and Marilyn LaQuet, Glenn and Jean Folkes and Gladys Sanford.

Nelson is survived by many people that will forever cherish the time and memories with him including his mom Colleen Folkes, dad Von and stepmom J-me LaQuet, siblings Nicholas LaQuet, Rebecca Haley (Ryan), Sarahjane Rivera (Christopher), Michelle Allen, Joshua LaQuet (Brianna), Cherie Allen, Sam Allen (Chandra), nephews and nieces: Killian and Arlo LaQuet, James and Sarah Rivera, Caleb and Seth Allen, Alyssa, Rob and Max LaQuet, Olivia and Harper Allen, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends that Nelson considered family.

John 3:16 was Nelson’s verse he memorized and found throughout his home following his passing: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

A memorial will be planned for spring 2025.