Birth date: Apr 2, 1948 Death date: Nov 7, 2019
Dianne Ruth Nielson, dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, public servant, and friend, died suddenly of a heart complication on November 7th at her home in Salt Lake City. She was 71. Born April 2, 1948 in Elgin, Illinois, Dianne Read Obituary
Dianne made a difference to the world in which we live through her efforts to address environmental degradation, climate change and energy policy. Her fairness, integrity and intellect were unsurpassed. She brought out the best in those of us who worked with and for her. She will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with her family whom she cherished.
Denise and Thomas Chancellor
Dianne was serving as head of the air pollution program under Gov. Leavitt of Utah when I was Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation at U. S. EPA under President Clinton. Our administrations and our two agencies were on a collision course over the 1990 Clean Air Act requirement that areas with frequent air quality violations institute mandatory inspection and maintenance for cars and light trucks. Because of her creativity, persistence and good data, Utah was the first and only state to escape I&M. She was able to prove that Utah vehicles were cleaner than their counterparts in the rest of the country. Despite the extreme rigidity of the statute, EPA lawyers agreed to carve out an exemption based on the fact that the program was unnecessary. It was a triumph of common sense.
Mary D. Nichols
Los Angeles, CA
Dennis, Christina, Preston and family, we are so very sorry to learn of Diane's passing. She was a brilliant and caring woman who contributed in so many ways to the people of the State of Utah and to all those who knew her. We send sincere condolences and love to you all. Mike and Wynn Wright
Dennis, I was shocked to read the story of Dianne's passing in yesterday's Trib. I tried to call you, but sadly, my address book is badly out of date. I assumed there would be an
e-mail address in a subsequent obit so waited; it appeared today. I have no experience to compare to your loss! A 50+ year relationship, nearly 50 as man & wife. She was a truly extraordinary woman; you are an extraordinary man; yours was an extraordinary partnership! My vocabulary is inadequate! It was my privilege to know you and consider you my friends. My sincerest and deepest condolences. Bob Christopher
Diane was an amazing Director of Oil Gas and Mining. She fought for her employees and at the same time was a very kind person who truly cared for the people who worked for her. She will be missed by everyone! Tom Munson
Sorry to hear about Dianne passing. I hold her in high regard. She did a remarkable job in her positions of great responsibility with the state of Utah in the stewardship of the environment. Condolences to her family.
Alarik Myrin
Although we did not have the privilege of knowing Dianne, we feel we did. We know of her through Christina and John. It is a profound loss for them and their little girls as it is for all who knew her. She must have been extraordinary (Christina is so like her). We only hope that those who were lucky to know her are comforted in having witnessed a life well lived.
Dianne was such a remarkable woman - strong and kind, generous and open. Her devotion to the environment, love of all life, and her legacy endures. Blessings to the family and community as we miss her but celebrate her phenomenal impact on our lives.
