R.G. Nelson, 76

Robert George Nelson, 76 of Hayden Lake, passed away Aug. 2, 2012, with his family at his side. R.G. was born Sept. 18, 1935, in Spokane to Swedish immigrants C. George Nelson and Freda C. (Swenson) Nelson.

R.G. graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in 1954, attended Washington State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon in 1959. Post graduate studies in Architecture included Harvard University and M.I.T.

R.G. was a member of the American Institute of Architects and founding member of the North Section of AIA. In 1994 he was appointed to the Idaho State Board of Architecture and served as president. R.G. entered private practice in architecture in 1965 with the founding of his firm R.G. Nelson, AIA, Architect, Coeur d’Alene. Since the inception of the firm, R.G.’s practice has encompassed higher education student housing projects, recreational facilities, financial institutions, multi-family, office, educational facilities, hospitality facilities, private residences, as well as interiors of watercraft and jet airplanes in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and California. R.G. established a reputation for extraordinary design, which became a trademark of the firm for more than 30 years. He has been a principal of NAC since 1995, a prestigious architectural firm in Spokane.

R.G.’s accomplishments in the architectural world included many awards, honors and superior recognition. In 1988 R.G. was appointed Distinguished Professor of Architecture at the University of Idaho. In recognition, R.G. received the American Institute of Architecture Students “Outstanding Practitioners in Education” Award, and was chosen as one of the most influential members on the University of Idaho campus. He received the AIA Spokane Citation Honor Award for the Recreation Center he designed for the University of Idaho. His architecture was published in numerous professional magazines and books. One of R.G.’s most noteworthy designs has been the world-renowned Coeur d’Alene Resort, which has been published and recognized as one of the 10 best destination resorts in the United States. He also designed The Coeur d’Alene Resort Pro Shop, the trademark water taxis and the Hagadone Corporate Headquarters. He was one of the original founding members of Art on The Green, a 44-year tradition in Coeur d’Alene.

R.G. served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army during the Vietnam era.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother-in-law, architect Donald Neraas. R.G. is survived by the love of his life, Judy Cerenzia; his five children, Kirk (Lisa), Jai, Kol (Connie), Kjell and Mijken; his sister, Beverly Neraas; five grandchildren, Shado, Chass, Ryder, Shea and Camryn; and several nieces and nephews. R. G. was a loving father to his children and continued to mentor and influence architectural students throughout his life.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene with a reception to follow. Yates Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

The family prefers memorials to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835. Please visit R.G.’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.