Allan Pettit Nielsen passed away March 20, 2001, in Salt Lake City.
He was born in the Salt Lake Valley Jan-uary 21, 1921, the son of Ethyl Pettit and Marion Preston Nielsen. He attended West High School, the University of Utah and the University of New Mexico at Taos. In 1941, Allan joined the Army and spent his service time in North Africa and Italy. When the war ended he resumed his art studies and in 1952 he married La Von (Bonnie) Davis. Allan was one of Utah's most talented western and wildlife artists, most of his works were individual drawings, paintings, and sculptures. He also did illustrations and wildlife renderings for the Utah State Fish and Game, Encyclopedia Britannica, The Quarter Horse Magazine, "A House of Many Rooms" and "The Fishes of Utah." Allan sang base in the Evans Brothers Quartet, was a member of SPEBSQUSA and traveled the western states and Canada singing.
A quote from a friend, "Allan had the courage to live life the way he wanted, and thank God Bonnie had the courage to put up with it." Al always found joy in his family, friends, and the outdoors. He loved animals and his knowledge of them was well known. Allan always took life's back roads where he could slow down to enjoy the landscape, wildlife, museums, and small towns.
Allan is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his sister, Wanda Morrison (Dean); his children: Katy Rostron (Mel), Christine Meeker (Steven); and grandson, Shane Massey.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Lupus Foundation of America, 50 East 24th Street, Ogden, Utah 84401. A special thanks from Allan's family to the staff at the Fay Case Care Center for making his last few years easier for him and the family.
Graveside memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2001 at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 17111 South Camp Williams Road.