Reid K. Nielson September 29, 1944 - August 12, 2024

Reid Kent Nielson was born in Richfield, Utah on September 29, 1944, to Roger & Ruth Greenwood Nielson. He passed away on August 12, 2024, after a lengthy struggle with congestive heart & kidney failure. He was the second born of the Nielson’s 5 children. He spent his early years in the idyllic community of Monroe with his brothers Jack and Kirt, and his sisters Carolyn and Margo where they enjoyed many wonderful hours with their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins.

The family moved to Spanish Fork, Utah, in 1954 where they put down new and deep roots. Reid joined the amazing group of young men in the 8 th ward, where life-long friendships were made.

He graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1963, participating in student government, debate and Boys State. Reid was a proud Eagle Scout. He was called to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Gulf States Mission from 1963-1965. Reid’s faith was the foundation as well as a pillar of his life. He had an unwavering belief and understanding in the divine nature of each of us as children of a loving Heavenly Father. To have a belief and love for Jesus Christ was his focus and desire throughout his life. His testimony was unshakable, and he shared it often in an effort to bring strength and understanding to others.

The other pillar in Reid’s life was his family. In 1958, at the age of 14, Reid spied the prettiest girl in his grade and soon realized he had found the perfect partner for his life’s journey in Helen Simmons. They dated through high school, and she was a faithful missionary’s girl as he served the Lord. They married in in the Salt Lake City temple in December of 1965 just a few weeks after Reid returned from his mission. Continuing to live in Spanish Fork, they welcomed 7 children over the next 15 years: Kara, Evan, Billy, Cordell, Natalie, Kenton & Thad. It was a house full of laughter, loudness, lessons, lots of teasing, and especially love.

Reid was also a part of the Provo community working for many years in the downtown Provo area in various automotive businesses including, Given Ford, Pearson Tire, Fakler Tire and the Nuskin company fleet. For many years people came to know and trust Reid as a businessman. He made many connections and friendships through his work. People respected his integrity and knowledge about more than just cars. Reid and Helen made a move to the small farming town of Lake Shore, Utah in 1981, where generations of Helen’s family still reside. They became an integral part of the community of Lake Shore where they have lived for the last 43 years.  Reid served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He especially loved working with the young men and teaching Gospel Doctrine. Reid was honored to be a temple worker at the Payson Utah Temple. He was a very well-read scriptorian and gospel scholar. He constantly worked to increase his knowledge and testimony.

Reid is survived by his beloved wife Helen, and their children: Kara & Steven Poulsen, Evan & NayLen Nielson, Cordell & Cheryl Nielson, Natalie & Jesse Jensen, Kenton & Janna Nielson and Thad & Heather Nielson. He has 20 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, who love him dearly. He also leaves his sisters, Carolyn (Paul) Reid, and Margo (Rod) Erickson, and Helen’s siblings, Shirl (Joyce) Simmons and Marie (Duane) Newitt as well as many nieces and nephews. Reid was preceded in death by his son Bill, his parents, Ruth & Roger, and his two brothers Jack Nielson & Kirt Nielson. Reid’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at Utah Valley Hospital who so diligently cared for him the past three weeks.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints 5916 South 3200 West Spanish Fork, Utah 84660. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral services from 9:30 – 10:45 am. A night viewing will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home 187 South Main Street Spanish Fork, Utah 84660.