Stephen M Nelson (Chico)

1951-2023

In Loving Memory

SLC, UT-We said goodbye to my human and my best friend 2/26/23, and I want to share him with you. You see, I was his dog, and he was my everything. He rescued me, even though I was kind of broken, and together we healed while sharing the things that truly matter. He taught me how to be a good boy and I let him know he was the best human I'd ever known. He taught me that spaghetti is the very best food and that Bear Lake is the very best place. I heard him tell so many silly jokes, he could make even a grumpy curmudgeon smile.

I loved seeing how much he cared about other people and all the animals. He showed me what it means to be loved and valued, and helped me see that none of us is defined only by our past. I hope I helped him see that too.

Chico told me so many stories. He told me about all of his siblings, Mike, Sue (Plumb), Chris, Ann (Owens), and Kathleen. He loved them and their families dearly, and they loved him back. He truly loved being a partner, a grandpa, an uncle, and a stepdad. His best memories through the years were with those he loved. I wish I had met his mom, Nana Peg, because the things he shared about her made her seem like the most wonderful person that ever lived. And, he was the ultimate salesman, just like his dad, Papa Don. Oh, and something called golf...he quite liked that too, but if you ask me, that ball is too hard.

In Chico's memory, tell that ridiculous joke you heard, relish the smiles that follow, make a batch of spaghetti and share it, tell your family and friends you love them, do something to help another, and open your eyes to both the wonder and the struggles of those around you. Help and support folks, just like he would. Be kind and kindness will return to you.

I'll miss him deeply, and I know many others will too. He was one of a kind. There will be a celebration of his life at a later time, let's tell bad jokes, laugh, and miss him together.

Thank you so much Chico. With love and howls, Nikko

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Mar. 13 to Mar. 26, 2023.