October 9, 2009

Thomas Stearns Nielsen


Nielsen family. You are in my prayers and I love you!


Thomas Stearns Nielsen 10/2/88 ~ 10/4/09


Thomas died Sunday at Primary Children's Medial Center, shortly after LDS General Conference. His family was with him. He was born 21 years ago on Conference Sunday, youngest of Dianne and Stevan Nielsen's four sons.Leukemia was diagnosed on Tom's 14th birthday, but he still managed scout adventure camps and 4 years of lacrosse. Tom's senior year he was on the lacrosse all star team. Orem High's class of 2007 selected him most inspirational graduate. Tom was a good student and was offered admission to several universities, including Duke.Thomas received a bone marrow transplant from his brother Jonathan, but relapses kept him close to home and interrupted college. He got in a full semester on campus at BYU and made many close friends. He felt sad as his buddies left without him on missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but also enjoyed being one young man among many young women. We feel sad that Tom has left us behind, but believe he is now a missionary companion with his brother Chris.Thomas enjoyed games and music. He was the 2007 Orem High Guitar Hero champ. He played French horn, piano, and acoustic guitar. He loved his family and friends and they loved him. He suffered greatly from leukemia, but lacrosse, school, and Church friends filled his life with joy. A wish granted by Make-A-Wish brought him hope and fun.Preceded in death by grandparents, Harold & Guenevere Nielsen, uncle, Clifford Nielsen, aunt, Susie Lindley, and just last year, by his oldest brother Christopher. Survived by his parents; brothers, Jonathan & Dane (Alesha); grandparents Douglas & Mildred Lindley; aunts and uncles Annette (Mike) Linney, Kay (John) Merrell, Richard (Barbara) Nielsen, & Anne Nielsen; & 15 cousins.Farewell: 11 AM, Saturday, October 10th, Canyon View Stake Center, 575 E 800 N, Orem. Viewing: 6-8 PM, Friday, October 9th, Walker-Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 E 800 N, Orem, and 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the church before services.Rather than sending flowers, consider donating to Primary Children's Medical Center, Make-A-Wish, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, U of U Medical Center, or Community Nursing Services. They are staffed by angels.Condolences may be sent to the family at: http://www.walkerfamilymortuary.com/.

3 comments:

Jill said...

He sounds like an extraordinary young man! I'm glad he's no longer suffering, but how sad for his family to lose 2 sons in a year's time.

coco said...

so thoughtful of you to post this. chandler has sure seen him through a lot....we/he will miss him.

Laurel said...

heartbreaking losses for one family to endure. Thanks for sharing. It's a good reminder of how precious life is.