David Cook Nelson, 74, of West Jordan Utah, passed away on February 24, 2022, after a long, courageous battle with vascular dementia.

David was born on July 15,1947 to Willard & Ione Nelson in Afton, Wyoming. After graduating from Spanish Fork High School in 1965, he went on to study electronics at Utah State University. He landed his first job as an electronics technician at SCM Corporation, kicking off a lifelong love of technology. He was an avid reader and often would be reading several books at the same time.

In 1969, he met Laura McLaughlan, and they wed a few short months later. They had 2 children, Jennifer Marie & Johnathon David. He served his community in the Jaycee's, and the National Guard for 14 years. He volunteered for the Salt Lake County Search & Rescue Team for many years; climbing mountains, digging through avalanches, scuba diving rivers, and putting his life at risk to locate and save numerous people. His search partner/rescue dog “Vector” was instrumental in helping him locate those bodies. They trained countless hours together and were a great team. David was recruited to become a Salt Lake County Deputy Sheriff and proudly served the public for 29 years. After retiring in 2009, David spent his time in the outdoors traveling, camping, listening to audiobooks and riding his Harley.

Everyone who knew him, loved him. His co-workers appreciated his professionalism, good-natured demeanor, and his quick smile. His friends enjoyed his wild, carefree side and loved his easy laugh and adventurous spirit. David’s family knew of his whole-hearted dedication to them. He was a family man and told us daily how lucky he was to love us. His love for his wife “Laura Belle” was unmatched and really a sight to behold. They held hands while walking, watching tv, and to the bitter end. They truly upheld their marriage vows, “for better or worse”, and showed the rest of us how love works.

David was preceded in death by his parents Willard & Ione Nelson, his brothers VonDee, Gordon, and Gaylon Nelson and his son Johnathon David Nelson. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Laura Nelson, his daughter Jennifer Nugent, his grandchildren Sierra (Spencer) Brown, Montana Nugent, & Justice Nugent, his daughter-in-law Amy Nelson, as well as his sister Sherma Campbell.

David’s family would like to give a special thanks to everyone that helped take care of David in his declining days: Dr. Michael Sanderson, West Jordan Fire Department/Paramedics, Legacy Village Rehabilitation Center, Auburn Crest Hospice, amazing neighbors, and caring family.

Funeral Details:

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Viewing at the church from 6:00-8:00pm

Wednesday March 2, 2022

Viewing at the church from 9:00-10:00am, followed by the Funeral Services from 10:30-11:30am

Graveside Dedication 12:00-12:30p at Redwood Memorial Estates

*LDS Church address, 8176 S. 5140 W., West Jordan, UT 84081

*Redwood Memorial Estates address, 6500 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville UT 84123

“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” -Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne