Brian Craig Nielsen, 59, passed away unexpectedly at his home on September 27, 2019.

He was born March 2, 1960 in Grand Junction, Colorado to William “Bill” and Marilyn Bricker Nielsen.

Brian married the love of his life, Cindy Parry, on July 28, 1979 in Helper. Together they had three children, Brian Todd, Allison, and Devin, as well as an honorary daughter, Courtney Mele.

Brian graduated from Carbon High in 1978 and began working for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. In 1989, he changed careers and began working for UDOT, where he spent 30 years, ending his career as a Highway Operations Manager.

Brian was an avid lover of the outdoors, where he enjoyed camping, hunting, riding 4-wheelers, and being with his family and friends. Brian loved watching NASCAR and the NHRA drag races on Sundays. He took great pride in all that he did.

Survived by his loving wife, Cindy, sons, Brian Todd and Devin, daughters, Allison and Courtney, and grandson and little buddy, Chance, all of Helper; mother, Marilyn of Palisade, Colorado, brother, Edward (Deborah), of Grand Junction, Colorado; mother-in-law, Rhea Parry, of Helper; brothers-in-law:

Jim (Karen) Parry, Ron (Mary) Parry, Mike (Kathy) Parry, Greg Parry;

sisters-in-law: Karen (Dan) Grimaud, Melanie (Mark) Scott; two aunts, Joan Cool and Patsy Nielsen, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceded in death by father, William; father-in-law, Thomas “Mel” Parry; Uncles Rulon, Jerry, and Dean; and Aunt Alene.

Brian was an amazing man, husband, father, papa, son, brother, and friend to all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.

Graveside service, Thursday, October 3, 2019, 2:00 p.m., Mt. View Cemetery in Helper. The family will receive friends Thursday at Mitchell Funeral Home from 12:00 -1:30 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.