Gary Dewain Nelson

Gary Dewain Nelson, 86, of St George Utah, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2023, surrounded by his children. He was raised in Salt Lake City and married his first love Carol Emms. They lovingly raised four children in Kaysville. He proudly served in the USAF working in Electronics. Upon leaving the Air Force he was employed for a decade at Hercules conducting work on the ‘Minute Man’ Missile.  After Gary left  Hercules Aerospace Division, he pursued a long and successful career as real estate broker, general contractor, and land developer.  Completing many projects in both commercial and residential real estate. He owned and operated Lakewood Investment Company and later Land Bankers Trust.

He dreamed of being a rancher and bought his first 20-acre cattle ranch in West Kaysville in the late sixties. His ranching dreams were realized when he purchased hundreds of acres in Boulder Utah.

Our dad was admired for his brilliant mind, work ethic and dedicated support of his family. He was adored for his: reverence and love of nature; kind, calm manner; keen sense of humor and a penchant for lively debates.

Dad made sure his kids experienced a memorable time on the Hardway Ranch. Days were filled with horse riding, hay hauling, calf delivering, and pasture irrigating! At the Boulder Ranch, he participated in adventures alongside his adult children and grandchildren. We treasure the memories of wearing ourselves out with hiking, fishing, treasure hunting, stargazing and storytelling around the fire.

Gary is survived by four children and one stepchild: Vicky (Andy) Beck, Kristy (Oliver Zeh) Nelson, Cindy Cherrington, Brian (Debbie) Nelson, Billy (Melissa) Duddleston, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his only brother, Mark Nelson of Boulder Utah and former wife Carolee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewain and Tacoma Nelson, first wife Carol Emms  and grand daughter, Andrea Beck.

Gary, also known as "Graywolf," loved participating in the Huntsman Senior Games for over 30 years. Together with his softball and basketball buddies, they stacked up too many gold medals to count! He found great happiness in many other interests, including fishing, skiing, hiking, travel, Native American Culture, sports, Utah Jazz, and U of U football.

Graveside services will be held at Kaysville Cemetery on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 2:00 pm. 

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