Obituary of Richard Charles Nelson

Richard “Rick” Nelson of Parker, Colorado, passed away early in the morning on October 5th, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Rick was born in Provo, Utah on June 12th, 1946 to Sally Beck Nelson and Roscoe Charles Nelson. The couple was more than excited to welcome the only boy into their family of seven girls! In his youth, Rick loved tormenting his older sisters, playing baseball all summer long, and running around with his buddies, raising Cain! He told us stories of going up to the mountains as a young, 12-year-old boy with a group of friends with nothing but sleeping bags and fishing poles for a weekend adventure. After graduating from high school, Rick enlisted in the Army and proudly served his country for two tours in The Vietnam War. He was a helicopter gunner for most of the time and earned a purple heart for his heroism and valor. He made enduring friendships there and mourned the loss of his fallen brothers in arms for the rest of his days. When he returned home from Vietnam, he married the love of his life, Pamela “Kippy” Nelson, on February 13, 1969. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for eternity on July 17, 1980. Rick and Kippy had three children and built a beautiful life together. Through the support of his loving wife, Rick worked his way up through the Denver Rio Grande Rail Road, beginning as an entry-level clerk and finishing his career as a Senior Vice President. Through his brilliance and strong work ethic, he was promoted several times throughout his career, relocating to North Carolina; Minnesota; Liberty, Missouri; Denver; Spring, Texas; and North Ogden, Utah. After years of encouragement, Rick and Kippy relocated one final time to be closer to their daughters and 8 of their grandchildren in Parker, Colorado. Rick had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and in the great Plan of Salvation. He served faithfully in many callings in the Church, including Bishop. He also found such joy and peace serving in the Denver Colorado Temple. Rick was an avid golfer for the vast majority of his life. He loved the Scouting program and was made and Eagle Scout at only 14-years old. He enjoyed going to the movies, traveling with his wife Kippy, and serving in the Temple. But spending time with his family brought him the most joy. He never missed a grandchild’s game, award ceremony, play, gymnastics meet, choir concert, recital, or anything else. Rick lived an exemplary life—dearly loved by all those that knew him. He was intelligent, kind, forgiving, fair, and positively wonderful. He was a skilled carpenter, mechanic, gardener, skier, handyman, listener, and friend. He always gave sage, level-headed advice. He will be greatly missed by all; but his loving wife will miss him the most of all. Rick was preceded in death by his father, Roscoe “Rock” Charles Nelson, his mother, Sally Beck Nelson, and his sister, Lourene. He is survived by his wife, Kippy Nelson; son, Chad Nelson (Margy); daughter, Danielle Fillis (Alan); and daughter, Michelle Crystal (Scott); 12 grandchildren, 3 grand sons-in-law, and 1 great-grandson. Tuesday, October 11, 2016 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 20850 Mainstreet, Parker, CO 80138 Viewing: 9am-10:45am Family Prayer: 10:45am-11:00am Service: 11:00am-1:00pm Graveside Service: 1:20pm - 2:00pm Lunch for family and traveling guests: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Service Information