Bruce A Nelson

Bruce A Nelson, an extraordinary force for good who lived a life of devotion to family, faith, and community, passed away peacefully at his home in Centerville, Utah, on March 3, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born on May 13, 1932, in Price, Utah, to Clarissa Elizabeth Jones and Melroy Ole Nelson, Bruce’s early life was one of sickness and sorrow. His father died on his ninth birthday, and he endured rheumatic fever and other maladies that prevented him from participating in many activities. Shortly after his 16th birthday, his health improved dramatically. Bruce attributed his newly acquired vigor to “working on Uncle Roland’s farm until I got better or died.” That experience was the foundation of the resilience, grit, and forward-thinking that would mark Bruce throughout his entire life.

Bruce lived his life across the American landscape—from the Intermountain West to San Francisco, New York City/New Jersey (twice), Chicago, Houston, Fort Worth, and ending his earthly journey back in Utah, where it began. Bruce was a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ and lived a life of consecrated service to family and community. His focus was on helping people he encountered in every aspect of their lives. Whether you were one of his Scouts, a colleague at work, a child, a grandchild, a friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger, he always sought to lift and strengthen.

Bruce believed to his core in eternal families and that close family members and friends are the most important sources of long-term happiness. His 70+-year marriage to Ann was the bedrock of the family. He leaves a massive hole in the hearts of his children – Gary, Connie, and Dennis, his 11 grandkids, and 22 great-grandkids.

Bruce’s devotion to the Savior and His gospel was evident in the choices he made and how he spent his time. “Love God and Love your Neighbor” was a guiding foundational principle. From serving in many church callings, including Bishop and Stake President, to traveling the world on two senior missions with Ann, he lived his testimony every day. When he was not serving directly, he was a quiet, often anonymous philanthropist to countless good causes.

From an early age, Bruce’s approach to work was thoughtful and strategic. Work was a means to an end. Before beginning his career at Shell in 1957, he worked as a farm hand, on road construction, as a deputized Utah Highway Patrolman, as a warehouseman, on an oil rig, and as a chemist. While a full-time student at BYU, Bruce supported his family by working the night shift at US Steel.

Bruce believed education and training are the keys to a better world. He graduated from Carbon High School and received a BS in Chemistry and a BS in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University. Bruce was a lifelong donor to BYU and contributed to many other educational institutions and programs. Most importantly, he took immense pride in supporting the academic dreams of his children and grandchildren. He was a good classroom teacher and an even better teacher by example. As Cypress, Texas Stake President, Bruce was universally known for teaching self-reliance and provident living and passing out countless copies of The Richest Man in Babylon.

Bruce loved to solve big, challenging problems. Over 33 years at Shell Chemical, he helped create the technology for controlled-release, resin-impregnated vapor plastic (No Pest Strips), managed the New Business program, led the design and construction of two world-class refineries for olefin production, and pioneered a global, innovative Trust-Based purchasing process.

While his employer and career were at Shell, Bruce’s passion was Scouting, where he was actively involved in Scouting for over 70 years. Bruce earned the rank of Eagle Scout, received the Silver Beaver Award from the Sam Houston Council, and led 13 high adventure treks at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, spanning from 1971 to 2000. These grueling 10-day backpacking expeditions are the pinnacle of the Scouting experience and a huge part of Bruce’s life. Hundreds of young men and women have experienced the blessing of having Bruce as their Scout leader.

Bruce was an avid outdoorsman who loved sharing an adventure with his family and friends. All were teaching opportunities to find joy in nature and tackle every challenge in life head-on.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife Margaret Ann Bond; his three children, Gary (Annette) Nelson, Connie (Al) Munguia, and Dennis (Rose) Nelson; his grandchildren Eric, Matthew, Adam, Michael, Megan, Andrew, Taylor, Emma, Mckenzie, Kendra, and Hayden; 22 great-grandchildren; his sister Rhea Bearnson; sisters-in-law Barbara (Rudy) Grenko and Carolyn Wolfe and brother-in-law Dean (Billie) Bond.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melroy and Clarissa; siblings Lynn (Edyth) Nelson, Dean (Carlene) Nelson, Doris (Pete) Bruno, Marie (Carl) Durney, and Norma (Aaron) Bond; sisters-in-law Alice (Harold) Nicoll, Geraldine (Gary) Tietjen, Glenna (Wyatt) Crosby, Marge (Tiny) Roberts.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rolling Hills Ward Chapel, 2110 North Main Street, Centerville, Utah. Viewing is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. that morning.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live-stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.

The family appreciates the many kindnesses from members of the Rolling Hills Ward, University of Utah Medical Center, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Canyon Home Care and Hospice, family, friends, and care from Russon Brothers Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charitable cause of your choice in Bruce's honor. He will be deeply missed.