Richard Daniel Nielsen passed away early Friday morning January 29, 2016. He was 89 years old. He was born on April 12, 1926, in Salt Lake City.
He was the first of three children born to Jacob and Rhea Nielsen. Richard grew up in Salt Lake City and graduated from West High School. He then joined the Navy. Richard attended officer training in Dallas, Texas while studying at Southern Methodist University. He stepped away from being commissioned an officer to serve a mission for the LDS Church. He served in Denmark from where his father had immigrated.
Richard pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Utah, graduating in 1951. That same year on June 6 he married Lohree Anderson in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to New York where Richard worked for General Electric. Returning to Salt Lake City, Richard worked at Sperry, Utah Power and Light, and Montec.
Changing careers Richard worked for the LDS church in the translation department. Then briefly worked as a personnel director, deciding to switch career focus to human relations. He was accepted into BYU's Marriage and Family Therapy program receiving his master degree in 1987 and a PhD in April of 1993.
Many people benefited Dr. Nielsen's years as a marriage and family therapist. He helped people have better lives, healthier outlooks and stronger relationships. Richard closed the doors to his office in April of 2015 at the age of 89.
Richard volunteered at Temple Square for many years as a Danish language guide. He was devout and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of his favorite positions at church was scoutmaster. He was particularly excited to take and complete the advanced scouting leadership training called Woodbadge. He played racquetball and swam at Deseret Gym for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and occasionally golf.
His sister, Margaret Nielsen Walker, preceded him in death.
Richard is survived by Lohree, his wife of 64 years, his three daughters, Judy Snyder, Jean Richardson, Janice Pearson with 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and one brother, Norman Nielsen.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday February 5, 2016 at Parley's Stake Center, 1870 Parleys Canyon Blvd. Friends and family may call Thursday evening from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah and Friday morning 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the services.
