Richard Bliss Nelson

November 5, 1922 - November 10, 2017

Richard Bliss Nelson, age 95, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 10, 2017. He is survived by his beloved wife, Tarry. This year they celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at Atterdag Village of Solvang. Richard, also affectionately called Richie, Dick, or RB, is survived by two sons, Brian and his wife Marcia, and Tarry and his wife Charmaine; four grandchildren, Daniel, Jeremy, Jennifer and Michael; four great grandchildren Riley, Noah, Jonathan, and Karen. Born in Omaha, Nebraska to Margaret (Bliss) and Oscar Nelson, he was raised in Santa Barbara where he met Tarry Wall at age 5. The two remained inseparable. Dick attended Santa Barbara High School and shortly after graduation joined the Army in World War II. After enlisting, he and Tarry married to ensure they could be together in the U.S. prior to deployment to Europe. Upon returning home, he was a draftsman for 15 years, and became a licensed architect. He enjoyed designing projects distinctly reflecting his own modern style, specifically in Montecito and Santa Barbara. Noted and award winning structures include the Santa Barbara Yacht Club, the metal buildings at UCSB, and his own home which received numerous awards and recognition for its unique swimming pool and deck area. When the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara's new sanctuary was being designed, Dick had a dream -- he felt was God given-- about a large Celtic Cross, visible from inside and from the air. This design idea became a reality. While Dick and Tarry's greatest shared passion was time with their extended family, their past times included cruising the oceans, and flying "Yellow Bird," a Piper 235. They used their plane for pleasure and work and were active in the Channel City Airmen's Club, and AOPA. In Santa Barbara Dick served as President of the American Institute of Architects and as a member of the Architectural Board of Review. In the desert, he served on the boards of the Boys and Girls Clubs of both La Quinta and Coachella Valley, and the Indian Wells Planning Commission. He was active in Kiwanis or Rotary wherever he resided. Additional affiliations include life time membership of the First Presbyterian Church, Magnolia Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Shriner's International. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, at the First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance, Santa Barbara. Special thanks are extended to the staff of Atterdag Village in Solvang for their many years of amazing love and excellent care for our Dad.