Reed Lavon Nielson

Reed LaVon Nielson was born January 28, 1925 to Elizabeth Maughan and LaVon Albert Nielson
He grew up in River Heights living next to his grandparents, tending a large garden, fishing- always fishing, causing mischief and driving his Mother Libby crazy. So much that she bribed his first grade teacher to enroll him a year early. Years later this put him in the same Logan High Class with the love of his life, a babe from Raymond, Idaho, Betty LaRue Evans.
World War II interrupted his school and love life plans, but he along with thousands of other brave young Americans landed in the second wave on Omaha beach and began the liberation of France and Germany which eventually led to the end of this terrible war. Dad carried the horror of war throughout his life with dignity and grace: the Greatest Generation just did that.
He returned home and married his dear Betty June 28, 1946 in the Logan LDS Temple. They moved to Colorado where Dad studied to become an engineer. Just short of his degree they returned to Logan and he joined his father’s masonry company LaVon A Nielson and Sons.
Ten Years later he formed his own company Reed L Nielson Masonry. Dad took great pride in the buildings he built and his attention to detail, work ethic and skill was widely recognized throughout the construction industry. In the 1970's he was named Utah Contractor of the Year for his work.
His split river rock fireplaces are still treasured by anyone lucky enough to have one: the largest and most amazing is in the lobby of Jackson Lake Lodge. Even into his 80's he would knock on the door of even strangers and say “I was just driving by and noticed your chimney, or fence or garage needs a bit of work, can I help you out.”
To this day his buildings at Utah State and Weber State University, northern Utah high schools, many churches and stake centers throughout both California and Utah, and many businesses and homes. Are a tribute to his skills. In the early 1960's he partnered with Newell Daines to build and manage a new concept of medical offices, the Professional Plaza. He also built and owned apartments, townhouses, and student apartment complex at Weber State University.
Dad found a small company in Vancouver that made a unique brick product and cut labor cost .His Claybourn Brick company imported and sold brick for many churches, major malls and commercial buildings. Another of his contributions was finding the exact green mortar collegian specified for the Utah Centennial Project, later named Abravanel Hall. Additionally he found a brick mold that enabled the severe corner of the building to be build as specified that many other experts were saying could not be done.
Dad love his car and the open road. We spent many hours driving thru the west but no place was more dear than the Madison, Snake and Salt River areas around Yellowstone and Jackson. Dad installed in all of us a great love for the beauty of nature and the peace and joy of fishing or just enjoying a lovely wild river. Dad taught us all to fish, ski, drive a car, fish, work hard, manage money, make friends, fish, take care of those less fortunate, play cards, laugh and love, and of course fish. Dad had amazing abilities to find fish. He would say cast over by the rock, there's a big fish there when we cast there a fish would bite!
Dad and Mom served two faithful missions for the LDS church, had a great passion for genealogy, and the LDS Church. After Mom had a stroke, Dad became an amazing Mr. Mom, learning to vacuum, do laundry, cook and take loving care of her. After Mom's death, he married Renee MacDonald and while they later divorced they have remained close friends and companions.
Reed is survived by his children Margaret Sue (Peggy) Chanson (Blaise), Stanford Von Nielson, Mathew Reed Nielson (Colleen Adams), 18 grandchildren, and lever increasing number of great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in by his wife Betty, son Scott and great grand-daughter Ivy Lindsley.
The Family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Stones for his many years professional care of our parents and also the staffs of Pioneer Valley Lodge, Legacy House and hospice nurse Anna Tappits.

Funeral services are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary and a funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 15th at 11:00 AM with a viewing prior from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the LDS church at 2760 North and 1600 East in Logan. A viewing will also be held Tuesday night at Allen-Hall Mortuary from 6-8 PM. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.net .