Ralph Curtis Nilson

Ralph Curtis Nilson, 80, from Smithfield Ut, passed away on March 30, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Ralph was born on February 1,1945 in Logan, Ut. He loved to ride horses, hunt, golf and keep a good garden. Most of all, he loved spending time up Smithfield Canyon, on the Nilson homestead. Making memories with his family and friends.

Ralph was a roofer for many years. Then employed by, Jack B Parsons as a heavy equipment operator.

Ralph was the son of Miles Nilson and LaVell Pitcher Nilson. He grew up with four brothers and one sister, on the family farm in Smithfield, UT.

In 1967 he married Marjean Hirst. They were blessed with 3 Beautiful children, Traci, Bret and Jody. They later divorced. He then married Melanie Meyer Nilson in 1986. Ralph and Melanie enjoyed camping with family and friends over the years, also riding horses and at the end of the night, sitting around the campfire.

Ralph is survived by his wife Melanie Meyer Nilson, children Traci Nilson Macbeth ( Warner), Bret Nilson (Tawny) ,Jody Nilson (Jennifer), Kelli Pabst (Mike) and Cortney Goerig (Sara)

He was the grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by two brothers Frank (Nancy) deceased and Doug (Dalice) deceased Nilson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Iris Hawks (Bob) deceased, infant sister Irene (twin to Iris) ,his brother Keith (Sharon) and his twin brother Reid.

- There will be a celebration of life and a graveside service this summer.

A Cowboy's Last Ride.

Out where the wild winds whisper low,

And mountains touch the sky, A cowboy lived with grit and grace,

He never said goodbye.

Born Beneath the winter’s moon, in forty-five, his story began,

With steady hands and a heart so wide he grew into a man.

He rode the trails with quiet strength, and his horse strong with pride, in the still of the morning light , you’d find him by its side.

He laughed with ease, he joked with charm, a twinkle in his eye

He taught us how to live out loud , and never fear the mountains.

With rifle slung and boots well worn, he’d wander through the trees,

Hunting, not just game, but peace.

A soul at home and free. Campfires, stars, and stories told, the smell of pine and rain.

He found his joy in nature's arms in sunshine and in pain.

But more than all his cowboy ways. His heart belonged to kin

To the family, he gave his all through every thick and thin.

Now he rides, beyond the ridge, where pain and time can’t go,

With saddle high and spirit light and love that still will grow,

So here’s to Ralph, a cowboy true, a father, friend, and guide, though gone from earth, he’ll Never leave,

He's just on one last ride.

By Jennifer Nilson (Daughter-in-law)