George Robert Nelson (Bob)

Passed away on October 4, 2014. Although his passing was unexpected, Bob left us peacefully, and surrounded by loved ones. He was 89 years young. He led an active and vital life.

Bob was born in Evanston, Illinois in 1925. He and his elder sister, Lois, were the children of Clara and George Nelson. As a young boy, Bob worked as a soda jerk, paperboy, and elevator operator. After completing high school, Bob was accepted to study at Northwestern University. He enlisted in the Army and was sent to the South Pacific where he served in the Signal Corps during World War II. After the war, he returned to Chicago where he completed his education at Lake Forest College with a degree in Economics.

Upon finishing his degree in 1949, Bob started his 47-year career with The American Licorice Company in San Francisco where he held several positions before serving as Chairman of the Board for many years. He cooked the first batch of the now famous Red Vines, earning him the title of “The Licorice King.” Bob was instrumental in growing a small candy company into one of the largest candy businesses in the West.

He survived his first wife, Roberta Dunlevy, after 16 years of marriage. He survived his second wife, Barbara Boston, after 42 years of marriage. Bob was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather. He is loved and missed by his five children: Susan Clancey (Lorn), John Nelson (Ruth), Ellen Kennard (David), Melissa Nelson, Rebecca Heiser (Eric) and 12 beloved grandchildren: Andrew and Peter Clancey, George, Jack, Joseph, and David Nelson, Kaitlin and Christopher Kennard, Kennah and Elizabeth Brenneman, Eliana and Ginevra Heiser.

Bob will be remembered for his quick-witted, dry humor and his contagious laugh. He traveled the world top to bottom and side to side. He filled his sails with wind on the San Francisco Bay. His garden bloomed with the mark of a gifted and caring hand. His fingerprints are left on many bridge cards and his footprints danced on our tennis courts. Above all, Bob lived his life embracing his family and friends and was known for his gentle and kind demeanor.

Thank you, Bob, for the wonderful memories. We love you.

A memorial service for Bob will be held at The Church in the Forest in Pebble Beach on the 26th of October at 1:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, www.cancer. org/donate or to Church in The Forest, P.O. Box 1027, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, www.churchintheforest.org.