Alfred Parker Nelson was born in Mariposa California, on October 26, 1927, to Carl Nelson and Dollie Bell Graham. He graduated from Mariposa High School in 1945. Alfred began his career working as a telegrapher for Southern Pacific Railroad.

Alfred married Ellener Ann McGinnis, June 10, 1950, in Visalia California.  After moving to Coos Bay in 1951, to live closer to family, he worked as a sewing machine mechanic for the Singer Sewing Machine Company.  Their daughter, Carolyn May McGinnis, was born on September 30, 1951.  Alfred accepted a position with the West Coast Telephone Company in 1952, which later became General Telephone.  Their second child, Allen, was born on September 24, 1957.  Alfred worked as an equipment technician and became head of the North Bend Central Office and later became the head of the Coquille Office.  He worked for the telephone company for 38 ½ years, retiring in 1990.  During their retirement, Alfred and Ellener enjoyed traveling the world and visiting many friends and family.

His hobbies included wine making, root beer making, leather work tooling, and award-winning photography and tatting.

He and Ellener were active members of the Order of Runeberg, which is a Scandinavian Social Society.  Alfred became the president for the West Coast District for several years.

Alfred and Ellener moved to King City after their retirement.  Ellener passed in June 2001.  Recently Alfred moved to the West Slope of Portland.

He passed at his Portland home on the morning of Friday, February 28, 2020.

Alfred is survived by his son Allen and daughter-in-law Julie, and his grandchildren Erin, Sarah, Lena, and Brian.