Timothy Neilson, B.S. '00, M.N. '05, D.N.P. '11
July 11, 1978 - Sept. 29, 2012 Age: 34
Timothy Steven Neilson, 34, was born in Madras on July 11, 1978, arriving on his grandfather Jerome F. Mannenbach's birthday. He died unexpectedly at his home in Grant County on Sept. 29, 2012, on acreage he loved, which overlooked the John Day valley. Tim grew up in Madras, being baptized and growing in his faith at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He graduated from Madras High School in 1996, then from Oregon Health Science University-LaGrande campus in 2000. He subsequently earned a Master of Science in Family Nurse Practice, and a doctorate degree through OHSU in 2011, never interrupting his provision of care to his patients. He loved each patient and had a great passion for learning. The love of his life, Emma Leigh Neilson, was born three days after his birthday in 2003. Growing up, he was known for his kind, caring heart, his faith in God and ministering through the Baker Diocese Youth Camps, his wicked sense of humor, and for being a true and faithful friend, brother, son, cousin, uncle, and dad. He was gifted musically, learning to play piano, guitar, French horn, and adding banjo, fiddle, harmonica and other instruments through the years. Music, friends, and family fed his soul. He discovered and relished rugby in his adult life, forming a special bond with his teammates, and continued playing until his death. He was an avid Oregon Duck fan, enjoying games with family and his ''brotherhood'' of friends he met in college. He was loved for his compassion and professional skills in Pendleton, LaGrande, Walla Walla State Prison, and Grant County. Always advocating for his patients and the quality of rural health care, he displayed excellence in listening to, diagnosing, and treating each patient with dignity and respect, regardless of age or economic status. He treated coworkers with that same respect. Survivors include his daughter, Emma of Camas, Wash.; parents, George and Ann Neilson of Madras; his brother, Joel R. Neilson of Houston, Texas; his sister, Manda L. Currier and her husband Donald Currier; nephews, Neilson Robert and William Donald of Algonquin, Ill.; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, and cousin Adrian Irwin. He was loved dearly and will be greatly missed. A recitation of the rosary was held Oct. 7, and Mass of Christian burial was held Oct. 8, both at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Madras. In lieu of any other remembrance, if it be your wish, the family requests that donations be made to an account at U.S. Bank in John Day, to support nursing scholarships to be given in his name for Grant County residents who wish to pursue the nursing profession
Source: obituarydata.com
