Richard Harold Nielsen

Richard Harold Nielsen passed away on July 1, 2021, in Gilbert, Arizona.  He was 79 years old and for years struggled with congestive heart failure.   He was born on July 30, 1941, in Murray, Utah to Vilate Whittle and Harold J. Nielsen.  He married Shelley Parkin on July 20, 1974, in the Ogden, Utah Temple.  He grew up on the family farm in Taylorsville, Utah where he learned the value of hard work.  He talked often of his love of the farm.  When it was time to harvest, he not only helped at home but also helped on surrounding farms of family and friends.

He was an avid sports enthusiast excelling at a young age in basketball, volleyball, and baseball.  He lettered in basketball at Granger High School and played freshmen basketball at Utah State.  He graduated from Weber State with a degree in physical education and a minor in biology.  Directly after, he got his master’s degree at the University of Utah.  He taught physical education and biology at Valley Junior High.  He coached volleyball and track for years.  He loved his students, enjoyed watching them excel, and kept in touch with many of them throughout the years.  He worked for Salt Lake County Recreation, and he owned his own sporting goods business.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus of Latter-Day Saints.  He served a 2 ½ year mission to Denmark where he enjoyed teaching the gospel.  He served in many church callings throughout the years.  He taught the youth, was athletic director, and served in the bishopric.

Seven years ago, he and his wife moved to Gilbert, Arizona so they could spend time with their three grandsons.

He is survived by his wife, his two children, Daniele Sellers (Jared) Queen Creek, Arizona, Shaun (Katie) Bountiful; his three grandsons, Dane, Chase and Carsen Sellers; his siblings, Janice Johnson, Shirley Milne, and Lee Nielsen as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his nephew Darren Johnson.

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 12, from 8:30 -9:45 a.m., to be immediately followed by a funeral at 10 a.m., at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah.

Interment:  Bountiful City Cemetery.

For those unable to attend the funeral service in person, a live broadcast can be seen on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page. A link to the live broadcast will also be posted below.