Randalph Nelson Obituary (1944

Randalph Scott Nelson (Randy) passed away on Saturday, December 21 in Lehi, Utah at the age of 75. He resided in Ventura, California, his home for the last 45 years. Randy was born on June 8, 1944 in Antioch, California. His family then moved to Gooding, Idaho when he was two years old. This is where he and his older sister Judy were raised. He graduated from Gooding High School in 1962, and lettered on the football, basketball and track teams. He then went to Rick’s College and was in the National Guard in Rexburg, Idaho. He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Florida Mission from 1965-1967. After his mission, he attended and graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah with a bachelors degree in history. This is where he met his loving companion, Carole Wyckoff, at a volleyball game. They wedded in the Salt Lake Temple in 1970 and were married for 49 years. He started working for State Farm Insurance as a claims director in 1970 and retired in 2010 after 40 years of dedicated service. During his time at State Farm he traveled around the country, from Hawaii to Texas, managing weather and catastrophe response teams. He loved his job and was highly respected in his field. He was preceded in death by his sister Judy Warner, and his parents Scott August and Kathryn Naoma Nelson. He is survived by his wife Carole Diane, and 4 children, Jason (Karen) in Highland, UT, Amy Hacking (Ricky) in Lehi, UT, Bryan (Michi) in Springville, UT, and Steven (April) in Ventura, CA, and 12 grandchildren. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he was their biggest fan. He would brag about them to anyone who would listen. He was constantly reading non-fiction political, history, and biographies. He was always well informed about current events and liked to share his strong opinions. He enjoyed challenging New York Times crossword puzzles and would carry the paper around all day as he worked on them. He enjoyed showing off and tinkering with his extensive watch collection. He loved following the BYU Cougars’ football and basketball teams and would often pace around the house and go for drives during games because he was so nervous. He laughed a lot and was a frequent target for friendly family teasing. He was gentle and kindhearted, and everyone he came in contact with could feel his warmth and sincerity. To know him was to love him. The last day of his life was a happy celebration as he attended his granddaughter’s wedding and participated in all of the festivities, surrounded by his beloved family. We will miss our dad, grandpa, husband, cousin, uncle, and friend, but we are thankful he is at rest now with his Heavenly Father and is reunited with his mom and dad, and other loved ones. There will be a service Friday, December 27, 1:00 PM at Nelson Family Mortuary in Provo, UT followed by internment at the East Lawn Cemetery in Provo, UT. There will also be a funeral reception in Ventura, CA on Sunday, Dec. 29 from 3:00 PM -4:30 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Henderson Road.