Royal Kirk Neilson Obituary (1923 - 2015)

Royal Kirk Neilson, born January 1, 1923, valiant and gracious to the last breath, concluded his earthly sojourn at age 92 and was taken home to that merciful and loving God who gave him life on September 4, 2015. One of the most gifted and talented among his fellowmen, his life was that of a quiet disciple of his Lord Jesus Christ. His life story offers a panoramic view of the vicissitudes of mortality and of one who faced the almost overbearing heartache of loss and adversity with uncommon faith and quiet courage. With the keenest of intellects, he lived a magnificent life of high adventure, superb accomplishments, and quiet contemplation. His "heaven on earth" was found in the most rugged desert places of this land, where he sought out the engravings and habitations of his Native American friends. He seemed to know of every canyon, ledge, dirt road, and hidden place where this beautiful rock art existed. The courage and bravery of this great man was exhibited early on as he placed himself in a situation of imminent death to save the life of his young cherished son, and were it not for divine intervention, he too would have perished in this heroic effort. He was loyal and true to his God, religion, family and country. He indeed lived up to his given name, as a "royal son" of our Eternal Father. He would want his posterity to be fully aware of his absolute faith and trust imbedded deep within his soul concerning the living reality of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of the Saviors divine Sonship to our Heavenly Father and of His infinite, yet intimately personal atoning sacrifice for all mankind, the holy calling of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the divinity and truthfulness of the restored gospel found only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He would want his posterity and his fellowman to know that The Book of Mormon is the word of God, and the veracity of this book of Holy Scripture proves to the world that his testimony of these things are true. Those who love him so much in this life will not mourn his passing nor weep from our temporary separation for long, for we know he has gone home with the just, there to be greeted by so many that likewise love him and have awaited his return to them with great anticipation and joy. "We live to die, and we die to live again." Godspeed our beloved and very noble father, grandfather and friend. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy. South Jordan, UT 84095