Fred Nelson, owner of Lynnwood Honda, died late last month at the age of 94.

Nelson owned and operated the dealership since 1981. His son Erik and daughter Wendy still work there.

“He would walk through the dealership greeting employees, sharing his wonderful smile and a kind word. He was always inquiring about something in their lives or of interest to them,” said his obituary in The Seattle Times. “He had a love of sweets and would often find treats left for him on his desk by an admirer when he arrived at work in the morning.”

His obituary said Fred was a true pioneer in the automotive industry. His father, Stanley Nelson Sr., started Nelson Chevrolet in Ballard in 1922.

“Fred was very passionate about two things, his family and fishing! His annual trips to Langara Island, BC with his family, was the highlight of his year and deep sea fishing in Panama a close second. He dearly loved his family, which was the most important part of his life. He rarely missed a single event, of any kind, in his four grandchildren lives,” the obit read.

Before owning Lynnwood Honda Nelson served in the Army and owned a Chevrolet dealership in Sedro Woolley.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, March 7 at 2 p.m., at Edmonds United Methodist Church.