William Robbin Nielson

Born August 24, 1944, in Bingham Canyon, Utah, to Alfred Leland Nielson and Florence Robbins.

Passed away peacefully at home on August 4, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with emphysema.

In 1983, Bill married Cindy Peckham Nielson, and together they spent the next 42 years creating a life full of love, laughter, and adventure, gathering lifelong friends and chosen family along the way.

Bill had three loving children: William, Robbin, and Richard with his first, dearly departed wife, Jane. He built a family not just through blood, but by the warmth of his spirit. He welcomed everyone with open arms, embracing even the quirkiest “misfits” and turning them into lifelong friends. His charisma, authenticity, and light drew people in and made them feel like part of the family, even the occasional neighbor just out for a walk.

Bill spent 38 years working as a heavy-duty mechanic for Rio Tinto (known to old-timers as Kennecott). After retiring, he found a second calling as a special needs bus driver for the Salt Lake School District. He often referred to the students as his “little darlings,” but beneath his teasing was deep affection. He took great pride in keeping them safe and cared for every one of them as if they were his own.

Though small in stature, Bill had an outsized personality. He loved to joke, tease, and pull pranks, especially during his Kennecott days where he gave as good as he got. It was there he earned the nickname “Sweet Pea,” and many of his co-workers never even knew his real name.

Bill’s love of teasing extended to his nieces and nephews. He was so relentless that his sister Sylvia once vowed to tease his future children just as much but when they finally arrived, she realized there was no need. They were already getting plenty of it from their dad.

Despite his outgoing nature, Bill was, at heart, a homebody. He would often grumble about going out but once he did, he was always the last one to leave. He had a gift for making people laugh and feel welcome.

Bill found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and spending time at the family cabin. He was always tinkering with something and rarely sat still for long.

Cruising became one of his unexpected passions. At first, he didn’t want to go. He had gotten seasick in the past and wasn’t thrilled at the idea of being on a boat again. When he found out the destination was Alaska, he was even less excited. After spending years working outside in harsh Utah winters with cold hands, frozen tools, and bitter wind in his face, he had grown to despise the cold with a passion. But because he loved his wife, he agreed to go, albeit reluctantly. By the end of the trip, he was already planning the next one! There hadn’t been enough time to explore everything. Needless to say, he was hooked, and many more cruises followed.

At home, Bill spent hours in his woodshop, crafting toys and rocking horses for his grandchildren. Some projects were so intricate they took years to complete. When his health made it harder to work in the shop, he poured his creativity into diamond art paintings.

Holidays brought out his playful side, especially Halloween and Christmas. He loved decorating the house, even if it meant precariously climbing along the eaves always keeping everyone holding their breath and hoping he wouldn’t fall.

The only thing that could keep Bill seated for long was a Sunday NASCAR race. He couldn’t sit through a movie in a theater, but he could spend four hours on the couch, eyes glued to the track.

Bill also had a deep love for animals, especially his dogs. His most recent companion, Jenny, rarely left his lap during the last two years. She will miss him dearly.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Lila (Bill) Hansen, Sylvia Whiting, and Leland (Amy) Nielson; brother-in-law Shawn Peckham; and grandsons Chad, Richard, and Keanu.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy; his children William, Robbin, and Richard; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who adored him.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to his hospice team Amber, Brittany, Gretchen, and Sheila for their kind and compassionate care. Your dedication, kindness and compassion for Bill in his last days will always be remembered.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on August 12, 2025 at Valley View Memorial from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Private interment will follow on August 13, 2025 at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bill’s name to one of the following:

*West Jordan Animal Shelter

5982 W New Bingham Hwy, West Jordan, UT 84084

Phone: 801-282-3951 (Open Mon–Fri, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

Currently in need of dry kitten and puppy food.

*American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

*St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org