Melvin Gary Nelson

1937 - 2016

February 6, 1937 ~ December 31, 2016
Our most beloved brother, dad, gramps, great-gramps and friend suddenly passed away at his home on December 31, 2016. Gary Nelson was born to his loving parents Miles E. and Melba Nelson in St. George, Utah on February 6, 1937.
He spent many wonderful summers as a young boy at the Swapp Ranch in Hatch, Utah with his brother Kent and his great-grandparents Melvin and Mary Jane Swapp. He graduated from Provo High School in 1955. He played on both the football and basketball teams. Throughout the past 60 + years, he and his high school buddies have met monthly for lunch. He served an honorable mission to Norway from 1958-1960, making a lifelong friendship with Dennis Olsen, his son's namesake.
Gary owned his own business, G. Nelson Sales and Brokerage. He was a manufactures representative for many major non-food lines. He had a long professional relationship with Associated Foods, Albertson's and Smith's Food King and was well-respected in the industry.
Gary lived a full life. He enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends. He loved a good party and cocktail. He was a great cook and grill master. He was Mr. Fix-it and always looking for a project. He spent many summers entertaining family and friends on his boat at Flaming Gorge. He was a great story teller and loved a good joke. He was his grandchildren's #1 fan at their different sport activities. He is described by all as a "great guy."
While serving in the U. S Army Reserves as a hospital assistant in Texas, he met a beautiful woman from Massachusetts. He and Lorraine Ann DePalma married July 14, 1961 and had two children. They later divorced, but remained friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and ex-wife as well as many friends who were happy to greet him with a cocktail.
Gary will be greatly missed by his daughter Kellie Ann (Andy) Vander Veur, Dennis Anthony Nelson, grandchildren Tonya (Larry) Laforett, Michael Vander Veur, Sidney Jake Nelson, Stephen Cole Nelson, great-grandchildren Chaz and Kobe Laforett, brothers Kent Nelson and Ray Nelson, his nieces Lori Aikin, Kris Mylanakis and Stacie Strong, his best friend Dallas Farrimond and many, many other lifelong friends.
Friends are invited to celebrate his life on Monday, January 9th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Please use complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building. Online condolences may be offered and memorial tribute slideshow may be viewed at www.starksfuneral.com