Gary Leon Nelson's Obituary
West Valley City, UT – Our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Gary, passed away on December 27th 2025, after a courageous and long-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He faced his illness with the same grit he showed on the race track, never backing down from a challenge.
Gary’s life was defined by speed, grease, and the pursuit of a perfect engine. He lived for cars and drag racing; if there was a way to make something faster, stronger, or better, you could bet your life he was under the hood tinkering with it until it was just right. He was a master of his craft and a man who found peace in the roar of an engine. These words from Fast and the Furious define his life perfectly: “If one day the speed kills me, don’t cry because I was smiling.”
He was survived by his devoted wife, Denine; his children, Brock and his partner Bec, Trevor & his partner Heather, and Allie; and his stepchildren, Ashley & her partner Brandon and Christopher. He also leaves behind his mother, Barbara; his sister, Tina; his niece, Candice; and a legacy of many loving grandchildren who will miss their grandpa dearly. His two loyal dogs, Rudy and Domino, will also feel the void of his presence. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry, with whom he is now surely reunited.
Gary was a warrior who took on every single day as he fought his diagnosis. While his hands and mind may have been slowed by Parkinson’s in recent years, his spirit remained at the starting line, ready for the green light.
Gary requested to be cremated, but a viewing will be held January 2nd from 3-5pm at Premier Funeral Services 67 E 8000 S, Midvale, and we request you come in jeans (as that's what he always preferred)!
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