George Nelson

George Barrus Nelson, 68, passed away on March 28, 2012 in Hong Kong, China, from natural causes. He was born on March 3, 1944 in Logan, Utah, to George Leroy and Lillian Barrus Nelson. He was raised in both Logan, Utah and Juniper, Idaho. During summer months his family lived on the farm in Juniper and then returned to Logan to attend school. After high school, George served as a missionary for the LDS church in the Southern States Mission. Upon returning from his mission he joined the U.S. Air Force, and shortly afterwards married Virginia Daines.

George and Virginia were married on Nov. 24,1965, in the Logan LDS Temple. They moved to Biloxi, Miss., where he was serving in the Air Force. From Mississippi they moved to Duluth, Minn., where their first two children were born. Returning to Utah they had 10 more children and continued to raise their family in George’s childhood home in Logan.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in various ward leadership callings in the old Seventies Quorum, the High Priest Group, and the Sunday School. He had a strong testimony of the Savior and frequently shared the gospel with those he met in his travels.

He had a sharp mind and received most of his education through individual study and experience. His early career included work at Utah State University, home building, and real estate development. In later years he traveled extensively as he sought to establish various commercial and humanitarian projects. He visited many areas of the world and spent extended periods of time in the Bahamas, Paraguay, Thailand and Hong Kong, where he was at the time of his death. He dared to dream and gave his last efforts to see those dreams fulfilled.

He loved his wife and children and was very proud of their choices and accomplishments. Although unfortunate and challenging circumstances kept him away during his final years he tried to maintain an active role in his family’s life through frequent telephone calls and video conferencing. Virginia looked forward to his daily calls. Many of his children and grandchildren have fond memories of their weekly “Skype” sessions during their Sunday evening gatherings.

He is survived by his children, Gerald (Janice) of Idaho Falls, Jeff (Suzann) of Frisco, Texas, Jason (NaLyn) of Hyrum, Brigeta (Darren) Benson of North Ogden, Justin (Tammy) of Hyde Park, Shane (Katrena) of Willard, Traci (Jed) Tolman of Chandler, Arizona, Carrie (Steve) Nield of Farr West, Holly (Randy) Gasaway of Stansbury Park, Tim (Toni) of Nibley, Todd (Julie) of River Heights, Tyler of Logan; 53 grandchildren; and seven siblings, Carla Exeter, Noreen Larkin, Bernice Spendlove, Zeldon Nelson, Pauline Sleight, Louise Nielson, and Starlene Draper. George is preceded in death by his dear wife Virginia, his parents, and his son-in-law, Darin Roberts.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 10, at 11:00 am in the Logan First Ward chapel, 89 S 200 West with a viewing prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 am. A viewing will be held at the Allen-Hall mortuary on Monday, April 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Interment will be at the Hyde Park Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net