Timothy Steven Neilson, 34, died on Sept. 29, in Canyon City. A recitation of the rosary was held Oct. 7, and Mass of Christian Burial was held Oct. 8, both at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Madras.

Mr. Neilson was born July 11, 1978, his grandfather Jerome F. Mannenbachs birthday, in Madras.

He grew up in Madras, was baptized and raised in faith at St. Patricks Catholic Church. In 1996, he graduated from Madras High School, and in 2000, from Oregon Health Science University La Grande campus. He earned a masters of science degree in family nurse practice, and a doctorate degree through OHSU in 2011, never interrupting his provision of care to his patients. He loved each patient and had a great passion for learning.

His daughter, Emma Leigh Neilson, the love of his life, was born three days after his birthday in 2003.

Growing up, he was known for his kind, caring heart; his faith in God; ministering through the Baker Diocese Youth Camps; his wicked sense of humor; and for being a true and faithful friend, brother, son, cousin, uncle, and dad.

He was gifted musically, learning to play piano, guitar, French horn, and adding banjo, fiddle, harmonica and other instruments through the years. Music, friends, and family fed his soul.

He discovered and relished rugby in his adult life, forming a special bond with his teammates, and continued playing until his death. He was an avid Oregon Ducks fan, enjoying games with family and his brotherhood of friends he met in college.

He was loved for his compassion and professional skills in Pendleton, La Grande, Walla Walla State Prison, and Grant County. Always advocating for his patients and the quality of rural health care, he displayed excellence in listening to, diagnosing, and treating each patient with dignity and respect, regardless of age or economic status. He treated co-workers with that same respect.

Survivors include his daughter Emma of Camas, Wash.; parents, George and Ann Neilson of Madras; his brother, Joel R. Neilson of Houston, Texas; his sister, Manda L. (Donald) Currier; nephews, Neilson, Robert and William Donald of Algonquin, Ill.; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, and cousin Adrian Irwin.

In lieu of any other remembrance, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Tim Neilson Scholarship Fund at any U.S. Bank branch office, to support nursing scholarships in his name for Grant County residents who wish to pursue the nursing profession.