Richard Grant 'T-Bone' Nielsen

RUPERT -- Richard Grant "T-Bone" Nielsen passed away Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, in Rupert, Idaho, surrounded by family and friends after complications due to cancer.

Richard was a devoted husband and father. Richard was born in Rupert to Blain and Ida (Manning) Nielsen, the youngest of six siblings. Richard was raised in Paul and graduated from Minico High School, where he was considered one of the best all-around athletes to attend Minico. Richard attended Weber State University in Odgen, Utah, playing basketball on a full-ride scholarship. He successfully completed his basketball years playing in three NCAA championships in 1968, 1969 and 1970. He stayed at Weber for an additional year to play football, graduating with his BA in 1971. Richard signed a contract with the Washington Redskins, but his professional career plans were interrupted by the Vietnam War draft. In the Army, he had the opportunity to play football again.

Richard returned to the Paul area to farm with his older brother Ronald Nielsen. After farming with his brother he partnered with Dennis Herbold managing Max Herbold farms and helped develop Rocky Ridge Ranch north of Acequia, Idaho. He became an agronomist with United Co-Op, where he established many new friends and customers. He later purchased R & J RV in Rupert, selling the business in 2014. Richard and Carol Herbold were married for 15 years and were blessed with three children, Kelli, Casey and Nicholas. Richard enjoyed his farming years but was ready for new adventure. He was an accomplished referee for the Big Sky Conference from 1982 until 2000, being called on to referee several tournaments and invitationals throughout his career. Richard married the light of his life, Diane Wheeler, in 1990, and two families were blended with the addition of Aimee Poindexter LaFaunce and Arianne Poindexter.

Some of the things we will all remember about Rich are:

He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, visiting both the old and the new Yankee stadiums

He was a longtime member of the Rupert Elks and Country clubs

Golfing. He would travel anywhere for golf and there was no golf course he wouldn't attempt to conquer

Telling stories and jokes and then telling them over and over again

He loved music (everything except all that music after 1980), dancing (with anyone) and singing (especially Motown)

He loved to go camping anywhere you could drive to and even some places you shouldn't, his favorite place being the North Fork of the Big Lost River

Fishing in Alaska with his friends and family

He loved his dogs and there were many, running errands with a dog hanging over the edge of his pickup was a common sight

Christmas was his favorite holiday

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Blain and Ida Nielsen; and Diane's daughter, Aimee LaFaunce. Richard is survived by his wife, Diane Nielsen; his children, Kelli Nielsen (soon to be son-in-law, Mark Gimber), Casey and Isabel Nielsen and their children, Izabelle, Abigail and Austyn, Nick and Shae Nielsen and their children, Taelor, Jordyn and Elijah, and Diane's daughter, Arianne Poindexter; his son-in-law, James (Aimee) LaFaunce and their children, Colton Wilson, Brion and Winter; and his brothers and sisters, Ronald (Evelina) Nielsen, Colleen (Hal) Boulter, Margaret Ann (Jack) Duff, Robert Nielsen (Cara) and Marilyn (Jerry) Swensen.

His legacy is his family and the greatest circle of friends any man could have.

The funeral was held Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Rupert LDS West Stake Center. Richard is buried in the Rupert Cemetery.

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