Wendell E. Nelson

Salt Lake City, Utah - Our loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend, Buz Nelson, passed away peacefully at his home on August 16, 2018, surrounded by family & friends.

Buz was born February 12, 1947, at St. Mary's Hospital in Reno, NV, to Wendell and Cousie Nelson. He was raised in Fallon, Nevada and was a member of the 1963 State Football Champions. He graduated from Churchill County High School in 1965, was active in DeMolays as a youth and became a Nevada State Master Councilor in 1967. He went to Westminster College, graduating in 1970. He was drafted into the military in 1970, serving in the Army until 1972.

Buz married Marilee Lipphardt in 1968 in Vernal, UT. They had three daughters; Kelly Lynn, Kristin Hillary and Kerry Keene. They raised the family in Salt Lake City and were overjoyed with the births of their grandchildren, Tyler, Alexis & Wesley.

Buz was employed by Union Pacific, International Harvester Co., Mills Equipment and then for 34 proud years with General Implement Distributors, a division of Arnold Machinery Co., serving the last 29 years as General Manager/President. During his tenure, the company expanded from a regional distributor of farm implements to a western presence with branches in Salt Lake, Boise, Portland, Billings and Jamestown, ND. He served as President of the Farm Equipment Wholesalers Association in 1994.

His passions were family, travel, Ute football and farm equipment. The family took many trips, including cruises, Europe, Central America and Mexico, and enjoyed exploring the many different cultures. He also took pride in attending eight Ute Bowl games with the family since 2003, as the Utes went 12-1 in bowl games and earned the nickname “BCS Busters”. This included a trip to New Orleans for a decisive win over Alabama at the Sugar Bowl in 2008.

Buz was an active Mason for over forty years as a member of Kaibab Lodge #25 Free and Accepted Masons, serving as Worshipful Master in 2000 & 2007. He was also a member of El Kalah Shrine and the Salt Lake Court 49 Royal Order Of Jesters. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.

Buz was preceded in death by his wife Marilee, his parents, and sister Joanne Taylor. He is survived by daughters Kelly (Joey) Miles, Bandon, OR, Kristin (Vince) Scantlin, Allyn, WA, and Kerry Nelson (Mark Anderson), Belfair, WA. Grandchildren Tyler Nelson, Alexis Capasso and Wesley Nelson-Anderson, sister Diane (Dave) Hicks, Pat & Gary Sutton, and very special friend, Susan Chilton, who held a piece of his heart.

Buz leaves behind a legacy of selflessness, generosity and service to his family & friends. He was a giant among men and will forever be missed. He was a scientific research and organ donor, and due to his generosity, someone will receive the gift of sight. The family appreciates the loving care he received from the nurses at St Mark’s Hospital, Encompass Home Health Care and the University of Utah School of Medicine Body Donor Program.

In lieu of flowers please consider helping someone in need or donating to your local animal shelter. Buz also supported Bandon Community Radio (KBOG 97.9 FM), the Shriners Hospital and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Memorial Services will be held October 26, at 2:00pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. A Celebration Of Life will be held later at the Masonic Temple, 650 E. S Temple, at 7:30 pm, to watch the Ute game and share fond remembrances of Buz.