Bernice Alice Nielsen Colburn

Bernice Alice Nielsen Colburn, 91, passed away at Legacy House Assisted Living in Logan on Nov. 4th, 2006.

Born April 5, 1915 in Salt Lake City to wonderful parents, Bertha Gygi and Peter Aagaard Nielsen, Bernice was raised in a loving family, the middle child in a family of seven children. Growing up in Salt Lake City with 2 brothers and 4 sisters, afforded her many wonderful experiences.

Bernice developed a love of the outdoors at an early age, spending time with her family in Millcreek and City Creek Canyons, Southern Utah, and Yellowstone Nat'l Park. Music was also an important part of her growing up, learning to play the Banjo and playing in the family band was a memory she often spoke of.

While working as a waitress at Keeleys restaurant in Salt Lake City she met a young handsome soda fountain manager named Jim Colburn. They were married Oct 28, 1937. Supporting her husband in his desire for education and love of the airline industry, Jim, Bernice, and their young family moved to California. They also lived in Montana, and eventually back to Utah where they made their home in Logan and resided for over 60 years.

Together, she and Jim owned and operated Colburn Travel Service for 35 years, making many friends and establishing themselves as respected and loved members of the community. Bernice traveled extensively and always enjoyed the opportunity to escort groups such as the Logan Business and Professional Women's organization of which she was an officer. But, most memorable were the trips taken with friends and family to such places as Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Orient.

Bernice was an avid golfer and valued her membership and friends at the Logan Golf and Country Club. As an officer of the Ladies Association and a member of the women's golf team, Bernice received many awards and proudly displayed them in her home. She also enjoyed playing bridge and belonged to several ladies bridge groups. Always showing great pride in her yard, Bernice could be found working outside until dark creating a beautiful place for cookouts with friends and family.

Many of Bernice's closest friendships began in her 20th ward neighborhood and through her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints where she served in various positions.

Most important to Bernice was spending time with her family. Because she was an excellent cook, she loved spoiling them with highly anticipated Sunday and holiday dinners at her home. Just a few of the family favorites were Christmas fruit cake, her famous oatmeal raisin cookies, creamy mashed potatoes, and pies of any variety.

We love you so much and thank you for the example you have been, the pride you've shown in your children and grandchildren, the wonderful holidays together, traditions you established, your amazing sense of humor, listening ear, friendship, inner and outer beauty and your unselfishness. You truly are our angel.

Bernice is survived by her daughters Sharon Hudson of Layton and Kathy (Kim) Petersen of Smithfield, daughter-in-law Sharon Colburn of Arlington, Texas and her sister Lois (Gerritt) Steenblik of Salt Lake City. She leaves a beautiful legacy to her nine grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 65 years James R. Colburn, son James Robert, brothers Edward and Peter, and sisters Inez, Adrienne, and Doris.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 10 at the Allen-Hall Mortuary Chapel, 34 East Center St., Logan. A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm on Thursday, November 9 and from 9:30-10:30 am on Friday prior to services at the mortuary. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences and thoughts may be extended to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .

As a family our hearts are full of gratitude and love for the staff at Legacy House. We thank you for your kind and watchful eyes and friendship to our mother and grandmother for the past 3 ½ years. We also offer special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Huffman and the ICU staff at Logan Regional Hospital for their care and compassion.