WILLARD NIELSEN

I understand that Lagrand died nine years ago, and I wish I would have known. He was truly one of the more inspiring people that I knew. I knew him as a Missionary in Hemet California in 2004. Legrand was our Ward Missionary and came out weekly with us on splits. I believe he was 97 at this point in his life. When most people are sitting around waiting to die he lived life with meaning and purpose. I googled his name to see what ever happened to him, wouldn't be surprised if he was still...

I knew Brother Nielsen when we lived in Hemet. My last meetings with him were when he worked for Miller-Jones Mortuary and visited with me when my husband, Tom, died in 1998. Brother Nielsen was so sweet and kind. I always felt happy after spending time with him.
After moving to Texas, occasionally I would read about his continuing activities online through the Press-Enterprise web site. How wonderful a man he was and how much he will be missed! His smile was infectious.

Brother Nielsen was a regular weekly patron at the Redlands Temple. He always had a great smile. He missed a few months when at the age of 99 he broke his hip when he crashed his bicycle into a wall. A few months later he came walking back into the temple and continued to do so until he moved back to Utah.

I never met Brother Nielsen, but he married my parents more than 50 years ago (he was their branch president in Oklahoma). Mom instantly recognized his name, and had the kindest recollections of Brother Nielsen. He has lived a long life of service. May his memory remain alive in the lives of the many he influenced.

I knew LaGrand when he and his wife were special representatives in Sri Lanka,about 1980. Such a sweet and humble man, with a great capacity for love and service. He had an impact on the people there that is still being measured. He told me stories about the Army, and his travels around the world. He lived a full life, and his joy at reuniting with his wife and loved ones will surely be great.

I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I heard plenty of GREAT stories about you. Im glad you were able to live a FULL life... RIP you will be missed

One half century has passed since Pres. Nielsen and I was stationed at Ft. Sill, OK. It is with fond remembrance I give this memorial to one of the greatest men I have known. To the family, my dearest love.