Michael Aaron Nelson

Michael Aaron Nelson, resident of Juneau, Alaska, formerly of Provo, passed from this life on the morning of April 10, 2004.


Mike was an experienced mountaineering guide and outfitter in Juneau, Alaska. He had trekked extensively in Alaska, Utah, Colorado, Washington State, and the Himilaya region of India and Nepal. At the time of his death, Mike had begun a much-anticipated long-distance trek. On the fourth day, he and a friend made their way across Harlequin Lake, a glacial lake near Yakutat. In spite of his expertise and precautions, the ice gave way several times. Ultimately, weakened from the cold as he was, Mike had not the physical strength of pull himself out of the frigid water, but died there, doing what he loved best; at one with the natural world.


Michael leaves a powerful legacy of love and loyalty Ñ he will be sorely missed. He was a 1991 graduate of Provo High School, and had attended Brigham Young University. He served in the Mexico, Puebla mission.


Mike is survived by his father, Morris (Kathy) Nelson, mother Kristin (Don) Wilson, brothers Jonathan (Lorissa) Nelson, Jeffrey (Melissa) Nelson, and Matthew (Camilla) Nelson.


Viewings will be held on Friday, April 16th from 6 - 8 p.m. at Walker Mortuary, 85 East 300 South, Provo and on Saturday,April 17th from11:45 - 12:45 at the Grandview 16th ward chapel, 1260 West 1150 North, Provo. Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Provo City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Humanitarian Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


To send condolences to the family, please visit www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com.