Richard Guy Neilsen

Most days have 24 hours. Not September 16, 2025, when time seemed to have stopped for the family and friends of Richard Guy Neilsen, age 52, as he passed away at his home in Chubbuck, Idaho.

Richard was born in Stuttgart, Germany, on November 27, 1972, to Barry Guy Neilsen and Cheryl Christiansen Neilsen. Barry, a helicopter pilot in the United States Army, gave Richard an instantaneous infatuation with flying. Richard dreamt of being a pilot too, until he was in high school and took a trip to Washington, D.C., where he discovered he suffered from space adaptation syndrome (aka motion sickness). He pivoted and discovered how much he loved helping people in their time of need. He attended school to become an Emergency Medical Technician and applied those skills to help others prepare for emergencies, natural disasters, or everyday life struggles. He was adept at repurposing everyday objects to give them a new life. His innovations took him all over as he taught classes on survival techniques, such as identifying edible plants, cooking a full dinner in a single tin can and with just one match, proper medical techniques, and the best items to include in 72-hour and first-aid kits. Richard’s survival instincts developed early. At four years old, he was found spread-eagle, barricading a door as his screaming two-year-old brother, Tom, was pounding on the other side. They were both pretty sure the puppy licking Tom was actually trying to eat him.

Richard returned with honor from his LDS Arizona Tucson Mission in 1994. Richard’s big heart made him the perfect big brother to Thomas (Annie) Neilsen, Tiffany (Donald) McLelland, Cassandra (Andrew) Wilcox, Christopher (Amber) Neilsen, and Kathryn (Christopher) Walker.

Richard’s greatest love was a father to Michael Guy Neilsen (passed away in 1998), Richard Chancellor (Ashleigh) Neilsen, Aubriana Renee Neilsen, Alexander Lowell Neilsen, and Tabrie Johanne Neilsen. He loved taking his family to reunions at Bear Lake and the Neilsen cabin in Palisades, Idaho. Getting together at family birthday parties. Camping on Scout Mountain, Island Park, or in their own backyard.

Richard is also survived by his step-mother, Terry Austin Neilsen and grandmother Connie Bolingbroke Neilsen.

Goodbye, Itch (Uncle Itchy). We are so blessed for every minute you were a part of our lives. We love you to eternity and beyond!  Richard will be buried in the Moreland Cemetery near his son, Michael.

If you would like to help his family with funeral costs, any help will be greatly appreciated.

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