Lorin Peter Nielsen, beloved husband, father and grandfather, a man of profound faith and intellectual depth, passed away on March 1, 2026, in St. George, Utah. He was 83 years old.

Born on June 20, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, to L. Peter Nielsen and Eleanor June Mackay Nielsen, Lorin was born during his father's wartime assignment as a welder. His family returned to Utah when he was an infant, and he spent his formative years in Centerville, graduating from Bountiful High School in 1960.

A gifted athlete, Lorin attended the University of Utah on both academic and athletic scholarships for track and field, competing in the broad jump. His education was punctuated by a 2.5-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northern Germany. He went on to earn a BA in History from the University of Utah and a Master’s degree in Philosophy from George Washington University.

Lorin’s professional life was distinguished by high-level public service and leadership. He began his federal career in the Executive Office of the President (OMB) and later served in the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Pacific Northwest, working on the personal staffs of three U.S. Secretaries of the Interior. He then returned to Utah where he became the Deputy State Treasurer and deepened his expertise in public finance and unclaimed property administration.

He subsequently joined State Street Bank in Boston, managing contracts with state treasurers nationwide and drafting individualized agreements for each state’s unclaimed property program. When his mother’s health declined, Lorin planned to resign and return to Utah. Instead, he was invited to “take his job with him,” continuing his national work remotely for another seven to eight years—a professional and personal blessing that allowed him to be near family. He also served as National President of the Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. After moving to St. George, he spent the rest of his career as a respected and successful real estate agent.

Music played a central and enduring role in Lorin’s life. A talented multi-instrumentalist, he played the piano, trombone, string bass, and organ. He was the first-chair trombone for the University of Utah’s marching and concert bands and began serving as a stake organist at age 15. He found immense peace in classical music. Later in life, he was invited as a guest artist to perform organ recitals at the historic St. George Tabernacle, presenting at least half a dozen performances. It meant a lot that his mother was able to attend one of those recitals.

Beyond his professional and musical pursuits, Lorin was deeply committed to community service, notably serving as the President of Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah and President of Leadership Dixie. His faith was his foundation; he served faithfully in numerous church callings and left a powerful legacy of testimony, teaching, “There are no coincidences in life. All happens with a purpose. If you examine all the happenings in your life you will find God behind all of them. It is the only way.”

Lorin and his wife Kathy were truly a dynamic duo. Wherever they lived, they were deeply involved—serving, connecting, and strengthening relationships with neighbors and church friends alike. They loved their communities, and their communities loved them. To Lorin and Kathy, everyone was family. They delighted in attending events, warmly greeting dear friends, and making each person feel seen and valued.

Lorin took great pride in his family heritage and in his growing posterity. Nothing brought him more joy than his Kathy Rose, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a ready smile and made others feel loved, important, and remembered.

Lorin is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Rose Nielsen; his five children, Kirstin Nielsen Abbott (Nelson), Erika Nielsen (Doug Robbins), LaDena Saxey Ford (Jerry), Jeramy Egan (Cheryl), and Christopher Egan (Mary); 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Kent Nielsen (June). He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Elden, and two granddaughters, Rachel and Sarah Abbott.

Services will be held in St. George, Utah, at 1282 West 500 South Circle. A viewing will take place Friday, March 6th, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, and Saturday, March 7th, at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity.