Vern Thomas Neilson

Vern Thomas Neilson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, returned home to his Heavenly Father on March 16, 2018.  Vern was born of "goodly parents", Thomas Herman and Alta Olive Brown Neilson, on February 23rd, 1936.  Raised on a dairy farm in Taylor, Utah, he learned at a very early age the meaning of hard work.  He married his sweetheart, Marilyn Brown, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, August 21st, 1956.  Vern and Marilyn were blessed with three beautiful children, Nancy, Scot, and Randy.  
Vern received his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Utah.  His working career spanned more than 50 years in the insurance industry, where he spent the last 18 years as the Agency Director for Sentinel Security Life.  He loved to work, and began his day in the office each morning at 5:00 a.m.   It was difficult for him to retire at age 75.  
Vern was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where he served in many callings.  His favorite calling was as a Stake Missionary with his sweetheart, Marilyn.  His ability to love and accept people, regardless of their "station in life" drew people to him.  He was fearless in knocking on doors and inviting people to come to Christ.  
Vern loved golf and was a skilled player.  He was a gifted teacher and loved to impart his passion for the game to others.  He taught his children and grandchildren, and loved to watch them play on the putting green in his back yard.   
Vern is survived by his wife, Marilyn, three children; Nancy (David Toone), Scot, Randy (Milissa), 11 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother Reed, and sisters Ann and Linda.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Alta, his sister Cleah, and two great granddaughters, Rachel and Rebecca Toone.  
Funeral services for Vern will be held on Friday, March 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bountiful Utah Central Stake Center, 640 South 750 East, Bountiful Utah, where a visitation will be held at the church on Thursday evening March 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday morning from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment in the West Weber Cemetery, 4590 West 950 North, Ogden, Utah.
The family would like to thank Russon Mortuary for their compassionate service.