Richard Lee Nielsen

Richard Lee Nielsen, 88, devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather and great great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home on September 13, 2006.
He was born to Hans Carl & Francis Elizabeth Nielsen on June 28, 1918 in Salina, Utah. He graduated from North Severe High, and attended Snow College, and BYU where he played on the basketball team. Dick enjoyed participating in and watching sports his entire life. He played the trumpet and loved the "big bands." He was raised on a farm and liked to ride horses in his youth. He took great pride in cultivating his flower gardens in his later years.
Richard served with honor as a Sergeant the US Army during WW II, from 1942 through 1946.
He married his sweetheart, Nedra Farr, of Gunnison, Utah on August 31, 1943 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were happily married for 63 years.
Richard was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he served in many positions throughout his life. He and Nedra served as temple workers at the Salt Lake Temple for several years.
He worked as a dedicated employee for 42 years at Lund Machinery Co. and Deseret Generation and Transmission.
Despite losing his sight and enduring many illnesses, including: cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, he fought to live his life to its fullest. He enjoyed helping neighbors and friends in any way that he could. He loved singing with his grandchildren, and watching them participate in their various activities. He was a kind and gentle man. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his family.
Survived by his wife, Nedra Farr Nielsen, brother, Roger Evans Nielsen (Gail); sister, Thelma Okerlund; children: Richard Nielsen, Kathryn Nielsen (Reed), Carolyn Paddock, Marianne Harmon (Craig), Douglas Nielsen, and Steven Nielsen (Tamara); grandchildren: Adrianna (Kraig) Tolley, Raymond (Leah) Paddock, Melissa (Brian) Luangsawasdi, Cristie Paddock; Christopher, Andrea, Jennifer, Matthew, Lauren, and Rachel Harmon; Daisha, Stephanie, Nathaniel, Travis, and Megan Nielsen; and great grandchildren: Dylan, Wyatt, and Ethan Tolley; Carter and Lydia Paddock; Tayla Wiberg and Drew Luangsawasdi.
His wife and children wish to thank the Silverado Hospice staff, especially Char, Tiffany and Annika for their expert care of Dad and for lovingly guiding us through the death experience.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 12 noon at the Valley View 12th Ward, 2125 Evergreen Avenue (3435 South). A viewing will be held from 11:00 - 11:45 prior to the services.