Russell A Neilson

On September 20, 2017, a glorious and sunny fall day, our sweet Dad and Papa, Russell Adams Neilson, peacefully passed away to dance the Jitterbug once again with Joan, his wife of 65 years. He was also welcomed by his mother and father, Vilate and Antone, and brothers, Junior and Butch (LaGrand).

Born July 24, 1926 in Washington, Utah, Russ learned about hard work at an early age on the family farm, getting up at first light to milk the cows, and clean and feed the horses and pigs. Later in adolescence, he also was a newspaper boy, delivering The Salt Lake Tribune on horseback.

At age 18, he was drafted into the Navy and quickly discovered that he got seasick. So, he was stationed in San Diego, driving ambulances until he was honorably discharged in 1946. He attended Dixie College and the University of Utah, playing halfback for the U of U football team for three seasons. Most notably, in a game against Wyoming, he ran back a 90+ yard punt return for a touchdown and received the game ball, which is proudly displayed in the family TV room where many a U of U football game has been watched over the years.

While attending the U, “Rusty” lived with two roommates in a basement apartment on 1200 East, owned by Alice Spencer Butler, mother of Joan Butler, a “member of Delta Delta Delta, Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Kappa Phi” specifically noted in Russ and Joan’s wedding announcement. They married in 1952, which came after two years of courtship, numerous football games, dance dates and graduation. Russ then worked as a corrective therapist at the VA hospital for four years, while earning his master’s degree in education administration.

Throughout his 30-year career as an educator, Russ was a coach, teacher, assistant principal and principal at Wasatch Jr. High, Churchill Jr. High, Evergreen Jr. High, Central Jr. High and Central High – all in Granite School District.

After numerous years of trying to have kids, Russ and Joan adopted Scott and five years later, Lesli. Their family was finally complete. It is a rare gift to have been given such amazing parents, but that’s what Scott and Lesli got.

Russ relished the many summers it took him and Scott to build a cabin just above Soldier Creek Reservoir, and he and Joan enjoyed many summer sunsets from the cabin’s deck.

Russ was kind, giving, loyal, generous and had a sweet soul. He’d tell it like it was and loved to tell corny jokes. Russ is survived by his children Scott (Julie) Neilson and Lesli (Scott) Sommerdorf; brothers Fred (Donna) and Ferd (Darlene, deceased); and grandchildren Jennica, Tyler, Zoe and Miles.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on September 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. A short graveside service will take place on September 30, 11 a.m. at Washington City Cemetery, 111 North 100 East, Washington, UT.

The family sincerely thanks his Smiths Marketplace coffee buddies, especially Bob Babalis; neighbors Ken Larson, Bruce Jensen and Doug Rohner; Intermountain Homecare & Hospice; Love at Home LLC; ward members; and Dr. Megan Skibitsky, who was proven wrong when Dad aced his driving test and retained his driver’s license at the ripe age of 90. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russ’ honor to any cancer organization of your choice.