More than 700 people overflowed the Vern Burton Memorial Community Center in Port Angeles on Saturday to remember 6-year-old Theodin Nelson and his grandmother Mary Wyman.

Wyman was the mother-in-law of Sequim Police Officer Darrell Nelson and mother of Brooke Nelson, a real estate agent in Port Angeles. Theodin was the Nelsons' son.

The two were killed Sunday, Oct. 18, in a two-car collision at Power Plant Road and state Highway 112 west of Port Angeles.

The three-hour ceremony included stories, photographs, a slide show and even Theodin's favorite song, "Aboard a Man O'War" by Hank Cramer.



Tribe prays, sings

The opening and closing prayers were offered by Ben Charles of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Five Elwha tribal members sang "Amazing Grace" in both English and the native Elwha language.

In addition to providing mental health counseling to the Makah Nation since 1997, Mrs. Wyman was clinic director of Klallam Community Services at the time of her death.

Wyman's eulogy included numerous comments from former clients crediting her with saving their lives.

Darrell Nelson read a letter to Theodin he had written on the night he and Brooke named their son.

It began, "Son, if you're reading this, it means you're grown up now."

Reach Brian Gawley at bgawley@sequimgazette.com.