Brian Clark Nielson

While only 5’- 9 ½” tall and barely 180 lbs wet, there has never been a Giant of a man quite like Brian Clark Nielson. Everyone who knew him will adamantly tell you what an incredible privilege you missed to be someone he called “friend.” Brian was remarkably loyal, utterly respectable, and a man of his word. He worked every day to create something, whether it was a new relationship, an astounding memory, or something he carved out of metal. Few people will be able to accomplish what Brian did in his short 67 years here on Earth. He was a man that made serving others his life’s mission, and was constantly giving of his time and talents to pursue that goal.

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Born on May 18th, 1953, Brian grew up in the quaint farm town of Worland, Wyoming, where it was instilled at an early age to not complain or curse, to work hard for what you wanted, and to do everything to support your family. He was an extremely adventurous, curious kid, constantly tinkering with machinery, and even credited himself for tearing apart basic lawn equipment as early as age 4 (it would be a few years later that he would learn how to put it all back together).

In pursuing that passion, Brian’s adventure took him to Orem, UT where he attended the Utah Technical College. He fell in love with machining and metal work, and his talent, precision, skill and attention to detail leveraged him a successful career at Geneva Steel. He would later become what he referred to as “self-unemployed” in founding Wilderness Design and Manufacturing, Inc, which he owned and operated for over 30 years.

It was also in school that Brian met and fell for another love… his soulmate and sweetheart Judy Kaye. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple in November of 1973, and eventually grew their family to include 2 beautiful daughters. Often referred to as “his girls,” there was nothing that man wouldn’t do for his little family. That Giant of A Man Loved Them Fiercely. He was a spectacular provider, an honorable husband, and the pedigree of a father that very few get the joy of being raised by.

Brian’s children often attributed him with being incredibly patient, gentle, fun, energetic, nurturing, and rarely remember times when they were scolded. Having only girls did not stop him from teaching them all he could about machining, welding, car restoration and maintenance, outdoor survival, and how important taking care of the planet and the people you love. He was always ready, at the drop of a hat, to help them with a project, no matter how big or small. Those same qualities continued right on through to when he became a grandfather! Brian loved his grandchildren with everything he had, just melting anytime they were around. He would stop everything to greet them, spend time with them, and make them smile.

In his professional career, Brian was an irreplaceable asset to those around him. It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to work with someone who is part metal worker, part fabricator, part inventor, part mad scientist! If it could be bolted, bored, carved, constructed, cut, fabricated, glued, ground, leveled, lifted, mounted, moulded, measured, nailed, welded, painted, or pressed into any shape using any material, Brian knew just how to do it in the most efficient way possible.

His industry adventures took him to the tops of mountains, welding high up on ski lifts, to the middle of the desert for high-speed vehicle crash testing. He helped construct large windmills, fabricated more efficient steam turbines, machined parts for high performance race engines, and even worked on solid carbon nano-technology for military body armor. He was pretty proud of the fact that he’s been listed on more than a few patents for his endeavors. Brian’s motto was to “Always build it 3 times stronger than it needs to be,” which didn’t just apply to the things he fabricated, but to all facets of his life, particularly his personal and family relationships.

Brian loved serving his neighbors and church family, spending thousands of hours helping the scouting program, setting up everything from zip lines to rappelling stations, snow shelters to cookouts for jamborees. He’s prepared thousands of meals for events and church gatherings, including the annual neighborhood “Salmon Fry,” and always provided the root beer for the Halloween party. He and Judy served as ward librarians and Activities Committee members. He was also a phone call away from being the local handyman for everyone in the neighborhood. Even though he was a man of few words, he rarely had an unkind thing to say about others, and loved people from all walks of life.

Brian had an incredible reverence for the It don't get done if I don't go do it! - Brian outdoors, making time to spend with his family on adventures in places like Yellowstone, Alaska, Colorado, California, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, The Grand Canyon, Havasupai, and even The Bahamas! He also spent countless summers skiing and boating in Lake Powell with some of the people he cherished most. And he especially loved animals, having easily 20 - 30 different pets throughout his life! Brian was genuinely the greatest guy you could ever hope to know.

The phrase “Jack of all trades, Master of none” didn’t apply to Brian at all… because he was a Master of Everything! Despite being regularly called “Einstein” in reference to the volumes of knowledge his brain possessed… when he smiled… you could forever see that adventurous, curious little boy at his core. While he accomplished in-numerous remarkable things throughout his lifetime, he was one of the most humble, kind, caring, salt of the earth individuals to ever grace this world.

He never stopped dreaming. He never stopped creating. He never stopped learning. He never stopped smiling. He never stopped teaching. He never stopped building. He never stopped loving. Until he finally did…

After vigorously fighting through 3 previous cardiac episodes to be here with those he cherished, it would be that magnificently loving heart that would ultimately give all that it could. On September 4th, 2020, Brian passed from this life in the only way he would have allowed it: in his home with his sweetheart Judy firmly at his side.

Preceded In Death by both of his parents Max and Marion, and his sister Christine, and his Brother-In-Law Dennis.

Survived by the Love of His Life, Judy - his two beautiful daughters Rafael (Craig) and Vanessa (Brady), and his darling little grandchildren Rainier & Riott. He has also left behind his sister Maxine (Glen), his brothers Bruce (Claudia) and Kent (Nona), Judy’s brother Brett (Debbie), as well as countless nieces, nephews, and their families. And hundreds and hundreds of friends, who considered him their family too.

To quote the greatest man we were privileged to know one last time: “It don't get done if I don’t go do it...” and on to his new adventure he goes. We know if he’s not there waiting to greet us when we ourselves pass on, we’re in the wrong place! We will forever look forward to seeing you again.

Rest In Peace, Ironman.

We will have a Celebration of Life in the mountains, as Brian would have wanted. The event will take place on Saturday, with a small gathering of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, Brian would have loved you to donate to your favorite charity, or take your loved ones on your own adventure. Much Love.