Norman Dean Nelson

Norman Dean Nelson left this world late September 30, 2021 in the way that he wanted after 95 years of a life well-lived and enjoyed. Although no time is a good time to say goodbye, we celebrate his life and all he represented and accomplished.

Norman Dean Nelson was born August 21, 1926, in Salt Lake City, the youngest and eighth child of Sterling H. and Elsa Alberta Marie Sorenson Nelson.

Norm was widely known by the nickname of Hope as a youngster in his neighborhood of Highland Park and during his years as a student at East High school and the University of Utah. Due to a serious back injury Norm did not qualify for military service but wanted to be part of the war effort. So, in 1943 he left home to work at the Terminal Island Naval Base in the cafeteria. This brief stint was followed by a few seasons working as a waiter in Sun Valley and eventually as maître d’ at Grand Canyon Lodge where he met an adorable waitress and future wife, Janet Horsley. Hope and Jan were married April 20, 1950. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on their 10th anniversary.

Norm grew up shipping fruit during the summers with his brothers in the family business, Sterling Nelson and Sons, Inc. In 1950 he entered the business full time as co-manager of Murray Elevators, a specialty feed business, a subsidiary of Nelson and Sons. Within a few years, Norm and his brothers Don and Cal developed a thriving business manufacturing trout and salmon feed under the brand name Sterling Silver Cup. Norm served as production manager in that venture until his retirement in 1990.

Norm was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving as scoutmaster, elders quorum president, bishop and high counselor. The month after his retirement from business, Norm and Jan were called to serve a mission on the island of Kauai. Three years later they served a second mission, this time at the St George Temple Visitors Center. He often said of serving ‘twice in Paradise’ “Someone had to do it.” As a man of great faith his life was an unwavering example of love and service to his family and those who knew him.

Norm and Jan divided their time between homes in Salt Lake and St. George. Because of his love for year-round tennis and golf, he and Jan purchased a loft style home set against the backdrop of a majestic red cliff in Bloomington. Shortly afterwards, they added a beautiful tennis court so that friends and family would have a scenic gathering place for annual reunions filled with tennis, golf and hiking. Norm loved nothing more than playing 18 holes with friends and family members that often included his son, Dana, Jan and a variety of grandsons. His dedication to the game served him well as he shot his age at 86 years old! He passed on that passion for golf to his son, Dana. Nothing gave him greater pleasure in the last few years than enjoying the successes that Dana had on the course. Norm loved to have fun and was always up for a game of Hearts. He looked at every hand as a potential “Shoot the Moon” win. Norm’s children and grandchildren were the beneficiaries of his love of a good time, his silly sense of humor and his genuine interest in their lives. Most noteworthy is Norm’s generosity. He leaves behind a legacy of people who were the recipients of his time and resources.

Jan and Norm have been the consummate team for the last 72 years. Their eldest son, Eric battled schizophrenia beginning early on in his life. In response, they and two other concerned couples, saw a need for a program that addressed the social, vocational, and educational needs of their adult children with mental health struggles. In the mid 1980’s Jan and Norm became founding members of Alliance House, Inc. which uses a clubhouse type setting to provide those with mental illness the opportunity to reintegrate into their community and become more independent and productive adults. They tirelessly supported that effort physically and financially for the next 30 plus years. Today Alliance House is recognized as a leader in this world-wide clubhouse model. Norm was on the board of directors and served as president of the Utah affiliate of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). He also served as the director of Valley Mental Health. Among the many awards that he received for his work in the mental health community, was the prestigious Norman S. Anderson award that he shared with Jan.

Norm is survived by his wife, Janet H. Nelson and five children. Christina Nelson McLaren (Kent), Laguna Niguel, CA, Hope Nelson Lovill (James), Fairfax, CA, Sara Nelson Bradshaw, SLC, and J. Dana Nelson (Alayna), SLC. He was the proud grandfather of Callie, Courtney, Sky, Parker, Kendall, Quinn, Logan, Campbell and Hadley, also the loving great-grandfather of Miles, Micah, Holland Hope, Cannon as well as his niece, Lynn Taylor. Norm was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and son, Eric Peter Nelson. Norm will be dearly missed until we reunite with him again.

Friends are invited to visit with the family Thursday evening, October 7 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. or on Friday morning from 10:00-10:40 a.m. before the funeral service celebrating Norm’s life at 11:00 a.m., Friday October 8 in the LDS Chapel at 4176 South Adonis Drive (3950 East). Following the service, the burial and grave dedication will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park 3401 S. Highland Dr.

In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to contribute to Alliance House, Inc. Donations may be made through their website at alliancehouse.org.

A virtual broadcast of the funeral service will also be available to those interested in attending remotely: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCex8Ns84Np9w1VRn_DDNojw