Arv Nielson, Jr.

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HELPER – Arvid “Arv the Arvster” Nielson, age 61, passed away peacefully at his home on July 7, 2011.
He was born on April 13, 1950 in Upland, Calif., to Arvid A. Nielson, Sr. and Nellie Hills Hartman Nielson.
Arv had a good upbringing, graduating from his hometown of Chino, Calif., in 1968. In 1971, he graduated from Chaffey College and later attended University Cal Poly in Pomona, Calif., for a year plus. For several years he traveled seeing four continents, 29 countries and 42 states, all west of the Mississippi at least twice. While hitch hiking back to California, Arv stopped in Price in 1975, moved to Helper in 1977 and bought his current home in 1978. For the last 33 years Arv worked several different jobs before retiring from the Union Pacific Railroad in Green River, Wyo. After hiring out for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in 1978, he also worked several years for the Utah Railway Company, all as a carman.
Arv found time to pursue many hobbies including playing softball, basketball, and restoring his 1966 Chevelle Malibu, 1950 GMC 100 truck, and his 1995 Harley Heritage Softail.
“Thanks for everything and my last words to the grandkids; I love you and promise me you will get your Masters Degree on me.”
Arv’s greatest joy was found in being a husband and partner of 25 years to Tonia; stepfather to Darryl Smith, Michelle Saez, and Tracy West; a doting grandpa to Erica Howard, Xander Saez, Jordan, Katelyn and Carley West; sister, Christine (Terry) White, Newberry Park, Calif; two brothers, Gene (Paulette) Hartman, Sedro Wooley, Wash, Jerry (Sherry) Hartman, Riverside, Calif; and many loved nieces and nephews. Arv also leaves behind an abundance of friends who enriched his life and a very supportive church family for whom he was grateful.
Arv was preceded in death by his parents.
Vigil service, Tuesday, July 12, 2011, 7 p.m., Mitchell Funeral Home. Family will receive friends at Mitchell’s Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 10 a.m., St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, in Helper. Committal service, Mt. View Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are welcome to share memories of Arv online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.