Paul Nielsen age 52 was killed on July 18, 2019 while traveling in Mexico. He was born on February 9, 1967 to Ivan and Colleen Nielsen. He was raised in Salt Lake City with his many brothers and sisters. Paul loved a challenge and even as a kid he was always challenging his younger brothers and sisters to attempt to do something difficult, always pushing for greater achievement. His intellect and curiosity were a part of his nature and as he matured he was drawn toward mathematics, computers and technology. In 1986 he and his father created Pacific Water Inc. a water softener manufacturing business that grew into a family business, with three other brothers as partners and other family members, including several of his children, as employees. Paul was very fair minded and equitable. He and his brothers built the company on the values and principles that Paul lived his life by, honesty, reliability and high moral standards. On October 2, 1990 Paul married Margaret Musser. Together they raised seven children. Paul was a devoted family man. He was often found having discussions around the dinner table or helping his children with their schoolwork. It was important to him to have a personal relationship with each of his children. He encouraged them to live purposefully and think for themselves. Paul was a fair-minded man and taught them that everyone's opinion mattered.
He was a logical person, not given to reactions or outbursts of emotions but he expressed his love often and his generosity of spirit was apparent in everything he did. He had a quiet presence and a confidence that provided others with a feeling of security. Paul loved helping people and frequently volunteered for service projects. He cared about people and took the time to give you his full attention whenever he was with you. If you got to know Paul well you knew he had a mischievous side. He loved trick questions, riddles and brainteasers and enjoyed exploring difficult math problems with other people. He worked with computers and had written his own software.
Paul was always striving to improve himself and constantly asking the big life questions. He put a lot of thought into whatever he chose to do and rarely acted in haste.
In 2016 Paul married Janet and informally adopted her son Kevin who was nine years old at the time. Janet and her son lived in Mexico and he divided his time between Mexico and Utah. Paul took his responsibilities seriously and did his best to be a good husband, father and provider to his family.
Paul is survived by his father Ivan and mothers Colleen, Carol, Valerie, Kathleen and Naomi, his wife Margaret, his children, Jacob (Karen) Priscilla, Esther, Karen, Mary, Aaron, Emma, Kevin, and his many, many brothers and sisters, nieces, and nephews.
Paul is preceded in death by his mother Annette, his brother Douglas and his sister Diane who passed away as an infant. His wife Janet was killed with him in Mexico.
While Paul is no longer with us, all the good he did in this world remains. He touched so many people, from all walks of life. Every kind word and action left its indelible mark. His legacy is his life, his example and his impeccable character. He will be greatly missed.
A public viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary 3688 West 12600 South Riverton Utah on August 2, 2019 from 6:00-9:00 pm.
Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday August 3, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the South Jordan Highland Stake Center at 10227 South 4000 West South Jordan Utah.
