Richard Hamilton Bailey Nielsen

Richard Hamilton “Rich” Bailey Nielsen, age 48 , died peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife Kellie, Sunday, August 28, 2022 at their home in Paradise, Utah. He is now free from the pain of the many ailments and injuries (including 44 surgeries) he battled and overcame, including kidney birth defects, cancer, MS, TN, and most recently the heart complications which took his life.

Rich was born February 21, 1974 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ruth Bateman and stepfather David Bailey, the sixth of eight children born to Ruth.

Although Rich was afflicted with an almost unbelievable number of very serious and painful ailments, his life was in no way defined by this.  His good humor in trials and unconditional love were a joy to all who knew him. He had a way of projecting Jesus Christ, whom he felt gave him the strength he needed to persevere, smile and laugh in the face of pain, illness (and terrible luck with injuries).

Rich loved everything about nature and was gentle and caring towards all creatures great and small.  A happier man could not be found than Rich, fly fishing pole in hand, taking a few casts at “No-Tell-Um” river.

His happiness in the outdoors was surpassed only by his beloved family.  Whether in tranquil conversation at home, or on a trail in the mountains, Rich’s kids were blessed to spend a lot of quality time with their dad. Through love and presence, his life is a testament to quality over quantity to all who knew him.

Rich was preceded in death by his father, Jack Nielsen, and brother, Todd Bierman, and is survived by his wife, Kellie, and their daughters Lily and Ava, and son Wyatt as well as his mother Ruth Bateman, stepfather David Bailey, siblings Scott Bierman (Suzy), Jeff Bierman (Debby), Chrisy McLaws (John), Troy Bierman (Krisele), Kevin Bailey, and Anne Bailey-Westbroek (Stephen), and many nieces and nephews.

His warm smile, loving concern, and thrilling stories will be dearly missed by countless family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 600 S 200 E, Hyrum, UT 84319.  Photo viewing and visiting 9-11 am, celebration service at 11 am. Those who would like to attend virtually may use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83162353812

In lieu of flowers, Rich has asked that donations be made to Zambia’s Scholarship Fund: www.zambiascholarshipfund.org