Lester Everett Nelson, 65, of Morgan Hill, California, beloved father, grandfather, brother, friend, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. Lester died suddenly at Saint Louise Hospital after a heart attack. Born June 21, 1951 in Vallejo, California, he was the son of the late Everett J. Nelson and Elizabeth M. (Smith) Nelson.

Lester is survived by his three children, Joseph Everett Whitecotton and his wife Melissa of South Jordan, Utah, Heather Kristine Golino and her husband Greg of Mission Viejo, California, and Holli Marie Nelson of Fairfield, California, six grandchildren, Emily Whitecotton, Macy Whitecotton, Jacob Whitecotton, Olivia Whitecotton, Giordana Golino, and Briella Nelson, his brother Stephen Nelson and wife Bonnie of Anderson, California, and nieces Arlene Weintraub and Angela Nelson.

Lester was a mechanic for large motor vehicles and armored fighting vehicles and worked in the South Bay for more than 30 years. He loved to restore classic cars and motorcycles, and riding motorcycles was his passion. In his spare time, he also enjoyed hunting, target shooting, going to the beach, and taking his cherished dogs Harry and Zoey to the local dog park.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 6 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1790 East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill, California 95037 in the Relief Society Room. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Santa Cruz SPCA, P.O. Box 3800, Santa Cruz, California 95063.

"Race the rain, ride the wind, chase the sunset."