Brian L. Nelson

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Lee Nelson, who left us on December 22nd, 2024, at the age of 76. Brian is survived by his wife, Gayle; his children, Christopher (Blaire) Nelson, Jill (Kyle) Nelson, Justin (Melissa) Nelson, Lianne (Derek) Clements, and Britany (Dan) Christensen.

He is also survived by his brother, Steve Nelson; sisters, Janice (Grant) Hall; sister in law, Maureen Nelson;

grandchildren, Elijah, Emory, Elliette, Cameron, Carson, Dillon, Asher, Miles, Calvyn, Lincoln, Evelyn, Emmett and Bizzy.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Lois Nelson; his brother, George Nelson, and sister in law, Pam Nelson.

Brian Nelson served two missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The first in his youth and the second, later with his wife.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering and MBA from the University of Utah. Brian had proven time and again what a brilliant mind he had by being fondly labeled the walking encyclopedia by his family.

He met the love of his life, Gayle, on a blind date and they have been together ever since. Where Gayle went, Brian followed.

After they were married, Brian was in a car accident and suffered a traumatic brain injury. After many years of struggle, he taught himself how to do everyday things again, but his depth perception never recovered.

Brian was a stalwart person who served as a rock and solid foundation for his family. He never wavered in his beliefs, most especially in his faith in the Savior and His gospel.

Brian loved his family fiercely. He was always more than willing to help in whatever capacity was needed. Everyone who knew Brian, knew that all they had to do was ask and he would be there.

Brian was endlessly kind and patient with the people around him, but never with the dishwasher, the cabinets, his phone, or with himself when he would hit his head. All his kids have fun, comical memories of rants about the kitchen drawers or the washing machine.

Brian had a great sense of humor. He was truly his dad’s son, always looking for any opportunity to tell a joke or use his hearing aids as an excuse. He loved to make people laugh and slapstick comedy was his absolute favorite. His laugh, especially when he really got going, was contagious.

Brian enjoyed many things, namely puzzles, gardening, fireworks, and homemade pyrotechnics, roller coasters, football, movies, sausage, chocolate malts, strawberry shortcake, naps, and above all, his family.

During his later years, Brian was a renowned farter and could be depended upon to fart as soon as he stood up from a chair. He was fond of saying “you can tell I’m a grown-up because I groan when I get up”.

Brian had a unique culinary palette and had no fear of eating things that most people wouldn’t dare try. He was especially fond of stealing raw dough while you were baking, and overcooking meat on the grill.

He drove his family on many family trips causing no small amounts of stress. He was always a fount of knowledge on any subject including the locations of the nearest Applebees and Hampton Inn. Additionally, he couldn’t leave for a road trip without checking the oil, only after everyone was loaded up into the car, and was always happy to treat the family to an ice cream along the way.

Brian will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew him. There has never been a more kind and generous man, and all were lucky to have him for the time that they did.

A gathering will take place from 10:00am to noon Saturday, December 28, 2024 at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2300 N Buckner St, Derby, KS 67037. In lieu of flowers, the family would like for you to post your favorite memory of Brian.