Ronald Jay Nielsen

Ronald Jay Nielsen, 76, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023. He was born on January 22, 1947, in Huntington Park, California to Cyril and Helen Nielsen. He enjoyed his growing-up years with his parents and brother, Barry. They spent a lot of time at Huntington Beach and enjoyed trips to Logan and Hyrum, Utah to visit family members as well as other trips to national parks and other scenic areas.

Soon after Ron graduated from high school, he served our country in the Marine Reserve. He later moved to Utah and became a Salt Lake City firefighter. He loved his job and enjoyed training other firefighters to drive the large fire trucks. He enjoyed cooking at the fire station. An inscription in a cookbook given to him by one of his firefighter colleagues states “Potentially, the best cook, the firehouse has ever known.” He loved skiing and was on the ski patrol at Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City. He was on the Emergency Medical Team of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002.

Ron had many friends both from childhood and adulthood. He was close to them throughout his adult life. He spent many hours with his firefighter friends not only at work, but outside of work enjoying some great times together. He loved adventure and filled his life with as many exciting experiences as he could.

Ron married Shelley Naisbitt in 1998. They purchased a condo on a golf course in Mesquite, Nevada. They enjoyed golfing, and they traveled to many golf courses. They both loved traveling and went to numerous places around the world. Their favorite trip was an African Safari. Sadly, Shelley passed away in 2022. These special experiences Ron had with Shelley helped carry him through the lonely hours following her passing. He shared his experiences many times with a tear as he reminisced. He frequently encouraged other family members to be sure to go on adventures like they did.

The North Ogden area became Ron’s home after Shelley’s passing so he could be close to his brother, Barry. He enjoyed being close to his nieces and nephews once again. He and they enjoyed gathering together for food and fun reminiscing. Ron also loved eating out. His favorite food was Mexican food, and he especially loved going to Los Lupes Mexican Restaurant in Mesquite, Nevada, and Lorena’s in Woods Cross, Utah. He recently also enjoyed eating at Jeremiah’s in Ogden, Utah.

A memorial service for Ron will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N. Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Hyrum Cemetery where military honors will be accorded.

Special care was given to Ron by many over the past 18 months, and the family wishes to express our appreciation to the caregivers at Seasons, Quail Meadows, and Canyon Home Care and Hospice for their part in his life. We especially wish to express our thanks to Holly, his physical therapist, who went beyond her job duties in caring for his needs. He looked forward to her fun physical therapy visits.

Since Ron loved visiting family in Logan and Hyrum as a youth, his final resting place will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery next to many of his Nielsen relatives.

We will miss you, Ron. We hope the adventure you are now on with Shelley will be the best one you have ever experienced.