He gave a brief summary of the recent legislative session and answered several of our questions. Among the several topics discussed were legal notices, Senator Chris Buttars, the southern corridor, the new air port, and Dixie State College. We got a good overview of how well St. George and Washington County are being represented. For additional information about this last legislative session and issues, you can go to Stephen's blog.
Zion National Park's 100th Anniversary Celebration Begins!
In 2009, Zion National Park celebrates a "Century Of Sanctuary". Zion National Park was established as Mukuntuweap National Monument by President William Taft on July 31, 1909. Zion Park plans to have a series of celebrations and events to commemorate this historic milestone. Plan to be a part of it by ordering one of our new Centennial products.
He gave away a copy of "A Century of Sanctuary: The Art of Zion National Park" to the club member who guessed closest to the number of park visitors for 2008. Congrats to Ed Sappington. Zion Park had just over 2.7 million visitors in 2008.
For additional information about Zion Park, its centennial celebration, or how to get your own copy of "A Century of Sanctuary: The Art of Zion National Park", go to the following website: zionpark.org
Surrounded by his loved ones, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, Stephen Meredith Nelson passed peacefully from this earthly life on Monday, February 9th 2009 to continue his service and mission beyond the veil. He fought a valiant seven month battle against cancer.
Stephen was born December 22, 1948 in Murray, Utah to Meredith Nelson and Margie Breinholt. He attended schools in Salt Lake City graduating from Olympus High School in 1967. He was a gifted athlete and played varsity basketball and baseball for Olympus. He served a mission for the LDS church in the Pacific Northwest Mission from 1968 - 1970. Serving as Assistant to the Mission President. He married Jolayne Smith on June 7, 1972 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Their marriage was one of mutual respect and love which encircled not only their family, but all with whom they came in contact. He attended the University Of Utah and graduated in Accounting in 1974. He was an avid University of Utah fan.
He worked as a CPA in Salt Lake City. He was President of TELS Corp. He also worked as President of Eroom Systems in St. George and as Vice President of Finance for Gem Insurance Co of Utah. He served as President of the National Association of Accountants, President of the St. George Exchange Club and was a charter member of the U of U Crimson Club. He was also a member of Willow Creek Country Club and Bloomington Country Club.
He served in many callings in the LDS Church including the Presidencies of the Young Men, Elder's Quorum and in Scouting. He was an extraordinary influence for good on many youth. He was both tireless and faithful in all of his callings. His unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ served as an example and comfort to all who knew him. He was a man of the utmost integrity. He served as Bishop of the Snow Canyon 9th and the Snow Canyon 3rd wards. He was most recently serving as First Counselor in the Red Cliffs Stake Presidency.
As an avid golfer and fly fisherman, he loved the out-of-doors. He especially enjoyed hiking and vacationing with his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was a wonderful father and grandfather, supporting his children in all their endeavors while teaching them invaluable life lessons with patience and love. He was a devoted husband and constant companion to his wife of 36 years. Their marriage was one of total devotion to each other and of service to the Lord. Hand in hand they supported each other in whatever calling either was serving. He always put his faith in Jesus Christ and the care of his family upper most in his life. President Nelson will be sorely missed, but his legacy of love will serve as a beacon to his family and loved ones.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jolayne. His children: Emilee Jones, Denver, CO; Jared (Melissa) Nelson, Flagstaff, AZ; Joshua (Fern) Nelson, Pleasant Grove, UT and Megan (Micah) Thompson, St. George, UT. Grandchildren: Jake Jones, Luke Nelson, Adeline Nelson and Leo Thompson. His mother Marjorie Nelson, Salt Lake City, UT.
His sisters: Ruth (Dan) Curtis, West Jordan UT; Julie Abbott, West Valley City, UT; Kathy (Dennis) Dea, Magna, UT; Shirley (Don) Baptist, St. George, UT; Margie (Dennis) Bright, Logan, UT and Peggy (Paul) Jenson, Henderson, NV. His brother-law Morley (Beverly) Smith, Gilbert, AZ. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death by his father and infant brother.
The family wishes to express deepest appreciation to loving friends and family for their constant love and support especially the members of the Red Cliffs Stake. Also warmest thanks to Dr Joseph Te and his staff, Dr. Scott Smith, and DRMC for their compassionate care. Sincerest gratitude is expressed to the sweet angels of Zion's Way Hospice who tenderly cared for Stephen and his family during this time of loss and sorrow.
Funeral services will be Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 1:00 PM in the Red Cliffs Stake Center, 1285 N. Bluff Street, St. George, UT. Family and friends may call Friday from 6-8 PM at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Stake Center. Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 16 at 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 E. 10600 So., Sandy, UT. Online condolences at http://www.larkincares.com/.
