Fillmore has lost a prominent rancher who spent his life conducting business based on “his word and a handshake.” Nelson Somers suffered a fatal heart attack on February 21, 2009. A lifelong resident of Ventura County, he was born in Santa Paula on August 27, 1944.
Beginning his farming/ranching career in high school, Nelson married his high school sweetheart, Barbara, almost 44 years ago. Together they raised three sons and became a vital part of the community. Nelson was well-known for his custom farming and became a successful, well-respected rancher. His love of the land expanded to Oregon, where he pursued the development of hay and cattle ranches. He always looked forward to the family “working vacations” in Oregon. His many loyal and long-time employees were “like family” to him. He was an animal-lover who could be spotted with his devoted Dalmatian, Dottie, by his side in his truck.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and sons, Nelson Jr., Chris, and Shannon, all of Fillmore, as well as his nephew and wife, Dave and Sherri Wright, and their children, Riley and Hayden, also of Fillmore.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28, at Skillin Carroll Mortuary in Fillmore. As Nelson would have insisted, casual ranch dress is appropriate.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to honor Nelson’s memory through a donation to the charity of your choice.