David Dwain Nelson

David Nelson passed away peacefully on March 29. David lived a life of adventure, a life filled with accomplishments. He could often be found climbing up a sheer rockface, hanging from a giant icicle, scuba diving among sunken ships, and staring down dinner-plate-sized jungle spiders. But just as often, he could be found entertaining his friends and family with an exciting story or laughing with them at a good joke.

David was born on December 6, 1949 in Salt Lake City. He was ambitious and adventurous, even in his childhood, and he loved the outdoors. He earned his Eagle Scout award at age 13. Living in Southern California during high school, he’d wake up early before school and go surfing with his brother Gary. He also played football, and upon breaking his leg during a game, turned the misfortune around—he painted his cast with school colors, making it the theme for his candidacy for student body office. He won. Classmates were drawn to David and he had many friends. Together with some of them, he formed and became president of the Chancellor’s Club, a custom fraternity for service and social activities that continued into his college years.

David was intelligent and educated, earning a BS and MS from the University of Utah, a PhD and an honorary doctorate from the University of Southern Philippines and an honorary doctorate from the India Institute of Technology. He served for ten years as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine at the University of Utah, teaching hazardous waste and environmental toxicology to medical professionals. He founded a company, EnviroSearch International, Inc., and took it to the Inc. 500 in 1992 as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. He received several special appointments including an appointment from former president George Bush to serve on an international committee involved with the environmental aspects of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

David was a leading expert in the field of global environmental and occupational health and safety legislation and regulations, environmental auditing and corporate social responsibility. David was extensively published in journals and textbooks and was interviewed by numerous publications including Time, Newsweek, and the New York Times. He authored the de facto textbook in his field--International Environmental Auditing.

He lived and worked in China, the Philippines, India, and many other locations. Through his work and travels, David formed a network of friends and colleagues in numerous countries and, above all, developed a deep appreciation for other cultures as he worked to improve the environmental and working conditions for people throughout the world.

He enjoyed skiing, scuba diving, ice climbing, rock climbing, sailing, and cycling. He earned a black belt in karate and even worked as a karate instructor. He climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, summited Mt. Rainier in Washington State, and even attempted Ama Dablam in the Himalaya range of eastern Nepal. He loved the Wind Rivers in Wyoming, and the red rock of Southern Utah.

He was a gifted writer, public speaker, and storyteller. Almost as good as his adventures themselves, were the stories he told about those adventures, often leaving the listeners howling in laughter or on the edge of their seats. But above all, he was a friend to many. His death came too soon, but ever the explorer, David has passed on to the next great adventure.

He is survived by his mother, Connie Nelson; brother Gary (Louise) Nelson; sisters Cathy (Brad) Nordgren and Janet (Jim) Howell; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Nelson, his sister, Diana Nelson, and his brother Craig Nelson.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 13th at 11:00 a.m. at the Fortuna LDS chapel: 4407 S Fortuna Way, Salt Lake City, Utah. Prior to the Celebration, a reception will be held beginning at 10:15 a.m.