Richard Paul Nielson

Richard (Rick) Paul Nielson (53) died in his home in Rexburg, Idaho, surrounded by loved ones on February 12, 2012, after a battle with brain cancer. Rick was born on December 16, 1958, to Lavern and Virginia (Gellings) Nielson, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was the youngest of nine children. As a child Rick moved with his family to southern California where they lived in several cities in the Los Angeles area. Among his best friends as a child were his older sisters who loved to play with him. He maintained an importance of family relationships, especially for those sisters throughout his life. He returned to Idaho Falls with his family when he was in his early teen years where he attended Bonneville High School. While in high school Rick enjoyed football, wrestling, and working on his cars. He graduated in 1977. He was married in 1978 to Jeanine Peterson of Idaho Falls with whom he had four sons. He was later divorced. He married Cindy McCuistion of Rexburg in June 2010 who he spent the remainder of his life with. Rick began work for Electrical Wholesale Supply Company after high school. He spent 34 years working his way up from stocking shelves to be Vice President. Everywhere he worked within the company blossomed with success due to his infectious personality and love for other people. He created customers that became great friends and family to him and who returned their loyalty in both business and in his personal life. He created an atmosphere where everybody was comfortable and knew they had a friend who would do his best to serve them. People knew Rick loved them if he teased them or played a joke on them. Rick joined the church after graduation. He loved serving in callings with the youth. The success he brought to business throughout life carried over into his church callings as Rick served with love to all those around him. He served as Scoutmaster, Elder’s Quorum President, Counselor in Bishoprics, Stake Executive Secretary, and High Priest Group Leader. He loved people and his fun-loving, charismatic nature attracted people to him and to the church. Hobbies were never in short supply with Rick. If it was fun and challenging he loved to participate. He enjoyed several sports including softball, basketball, golf, and waterskiing. He enjoyed SCUBA diving, flying remote control airplanes, and fly fishing. He loved riding motorcycles and prior to death achieved a dream of owning a Harley-Davidson. His greatest joy was the love of his life, Cindy, his children and grandchildren. Rick is preceded in death by his parents and oldest brother. Survivors include his wife Cindy, his sons, Jordan (Jenny), Gifford (Amanda), Tyrell (Jenn), and Cody (Kendra),daughter Brittney (Casey) Brinton, and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by seven siblings. A viewing will be held for Rick on Thursday, February 16, from 6-8 pm. A funeral service in his honor will be held on Friday, February 17, at 11 am with a short viewing prior to the service beginning at 10 am. Viewings and funeral will be held at 590 W. Summerwood in Rexburg. Interment will be at the Sugar City cemetery. Many thanks to the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Aspen Home Health and Hospice as well as many family and friends who gave love and support to Rick and his family. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute for brain cancer research. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Rick Nielson Memorial Fund; Beehive Federal Credit Union, PO Box 40, Rexburg, ID, 83440. To send the family a condolence visit www.LegacyFunerals.com