 (Old Doc)
Friday morning our sweet grandpa, father, and husband passed away surrounded by his loving family. What an amazing legacy he has left behind. It has been a blessing having him in each of our lives. He was a lifetime Scouter, a man of integrity, and a man who loved and served without question. For more than 60 years he gave his heart and soul to the woman of his dreams and was never afraid to show his love for Granny. Words cannot express his greatness.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Andrew Peter Nielson and Sylvia Annie Brown, his love for family and his Swedish heritage started in his beloved Scipio, Utah, with his extended family. He passed along his love for Scipio, Sweden, and family to all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. Following his service in the Pacific Theater he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Stockholm, Sweden. He married Gloria Rae Curtis, August 14, 1950, in the Salt Lake Temple. He completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Utah in Audiology and later completed a doctoral degree from the University of Iowa.
He started the Speech and Hearing Program at Primary Children's Hospital and worked for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind as an audiologist for 29 years. As the Utah State Audiologist he traveled throughout Utah testing the hearing of children throughout the state.
As a lifetime Scouter, actively registered for over 73 years, he was the recipient of the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. He assisted nearly 1000 young men in receiving their Eagle Scout rank.
He accepted many opportunities to serve in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including: service in bishoprics, several Church Service missions, and as a temple worker in the Bountiful Utah Temple. He had a deep and fervent testimony of Jesus Christ and a love for Church History.
He loved the State of Utah which he traversed throughout his life and his personal motto was "no road untraveled, no rock unturned, no historic marker unread." He was recently recognized for 20 years of service as a volunteer at Antelope Island State Park.
He is survived by his loving and faithful wife (Gloria Curtis Nielson), six children; Curtis Nielson (Sandi), Scott Nielson (Mary Ann), Julie Jenkins (Ryan), Kevin Nielson (Renee), Kim Nielson (Kurt), Tracy Syme (Kale), 27 grandchildren and loving spouses, and 29 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Kaysville 4th Ward Chapel, 875 East 200 North. Friends may visit with family Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Lindquist's Kaysville Mortuary, 400 No. Main and Wednesday at the church from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
His many accolades and accomplishments could never surpass the prize which he held most dear, that of his family. They were his greatest source of pride and joy. He treated everyone he met as if they were his best friend. His love and desire to serve others was unprecedented. You will be sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of being graced by your company.
Condolences may be shared at: www.lindquistmortuary.com
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Published in Deseret News on May 26, 2013
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