Ronald Edwin Nelson

Ronald Edwin Nelson “Racer”, age 77, passed away on October 5, 2013 with his loving wife next to him. Born October 8, 1937 and adopted by Edwin and Emma Nelson, Racer attended high school in Salt Lake. 

Racer joined the Air Force in 1955, where he was stationed in California, Wyoming, Florida and Japan.  He was always proud of his military service.  Once done with his military tour and back in Utah he attended Weber State University and studied Criminology.  He was appointed in May of 1968 to the Salt Lake City Police Department, where he became known as Racer.  As put by one of his partners, he was not a good cop – he was a great cop.  Racer served the city of Salt Lake for 30 years, becoming one of the most decorated officers in the history of the SLPD.  His police family will greatly miss him, and we thank them for all their support.   

Racer’s greatest joys were camping, river rafting and spending time fishing with his grandkids. 

Racer is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, whom he loved with all his heart.  He is also survived by his three children: sons John (Geralyn) Nelson and Paul (Kari) Nelson both in Connecticut; and daughter Melissa (Jason) Talcott of Salt Lake City; 7 grandchildren: Tyler, Taryn, Patrick, Nick, Allie, Madison and Hayden, and sister Gloria (Ron) Rasmussen of Wyoming.

There will be a celebration open house on October 18^th honoring Racer and his life.  To attend, please contact the family at racermemorial@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Racer Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo Location.  All funds will be given to the Palliative Care and Mental Health departments at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center. We greatly appreciate all the caregivers at the VA who are so loving and supportive of our vets.  Thank you for all the care during Racer’s lasts days.