Paul Jay Nielson

Paul Jay Nielson, 84, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at Blacksmith Fork Assisted Living in Hyrum, Utah. He was born July 8, 1940, and at the tender age of 6 weeks, he found his forever family with Wendell LeRoy and Maude Rowley Nielson, and he grew up in Springville, Utah. Later he attended Utah State University where he met and fell in love with Sharon Maughan. They were married on February 5, 1960, in the Logan LDS Temple. They were blessed with three wonderful children. They were married for 38 years, and although they were divorced, they have remained close through the years. The only other woman in his life was his beloved cat, Abby.

Paul was a man of quiet strength and enduring optimism. Paul faced many challenges throughout his life - but he never let hardships steal his joy. His resilience, steady kindness, and warm sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Paul lived a full and meaningful life shaped by dedication and service. He began his career as a dental technician, later serving proudly for many years as a Utah Highway Patrolman. He then spent time as a long-haul truck driver, traveling the country and seeing the beauty of the open road. In the final chapter of his career, Paul traded in highway miles for local streets, driving for CVTD. He loved being behind the wheel, but more than that, he loved the people. Paul made friends everywhere he went – his kindness and easy-going nature made every ride a little brighter for those lucky enough to be his passengers.

Paul found his greatest joy being in the outdoors. October was probably his most favorite month of the year. He truly lived for the deer hunt and the elk hunt – spending time with his son Ryan, son-in-law Joel, in-laws and friends. Paul would always have a good laugh about the practical jokes that were played on him. In his later years, it was fishing – always on a lake – that truly captured his heart. Some of his happiest days were spent on the water with his family, especially with his grandson, Zach and great-grandson, Karter - two of his favorite fishing buddies. Those quiet times casting lines and sharing stories were moments he treasured deeply. More than his work or hobbies, Paul will be remembered as a devoted father and grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor. Not only did he teach others how to tie a hook or tell a good story, he also taught others how to live with gratitude, dignity, and quiet strength.

He is survived by his children: Craig (Donna) Nielson, Sherri (Joel) Bradshaw, and Ryan (Wendy) Nielson; his grandchildren: Zachary (Hailey) Nielson, Chris (Ashley) Nielson, Chelsie (Tim) Farmer, Nick (Melissa) Bradshaw, Traetyn, Chaeli, and Tayte Nielson; his great-grandchildren: Karter, Kace, Easton, Aidree, Bailey, Daxon, Brinley, Enley, Wriglie, Finnlie, Millie, Parker, Cooper, Ledger, ; and brother-in-law: Reid Andreason.

Though he has passed, his legacy of perseverance, kindness, and love for life’s simple joys lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A special, heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful care that was given to Paul in the last couple years of his life, including the many lasting friendships he formed at Blacksmith Fork Assisted Living. We are truly so grateful.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 S 100 E, Logan, Utah from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. in the White Pine Funeral Home chapel. Burial will be in the Wellsville Cemetery.

His family encourages you to honor Paul by spending time outdoors – especially by a lake – casting a line, enjoying the quiet, and remembering him with a smile.