Nolan Thomas Blaisdell

Nolan Thomas Blaisdell, 90, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away November 13, 2004 at his home in Malad. He was born January 4, 1914 in Malad, a son of John E. and Florence Julia Barber Blaisdell. He grew up on the family farm and learned the value of hard work from his parents.

Nolan graduated from Malad High School, attended college at Utah State, and then served an LDS mission to the Central States 1938-40. He married Letitia Rae Gibbs, May 1, 1941 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They had three children. Letitia passed away July 6, 1970. On September 21, 1971 he married Iris Ipsen Barker.

Nolan was a rancher who was involved in church and community service. He served on the Oneida County Fair Board, Oneida County School Board, St. John Irrigation Company, Pleasantview Livestock Assn, and was instrumental in negotiating the land purchase of the Daniels Reservoir.

He served as a counselor in two bishoprics for the St. John Ward from 1941-1961. His callings also included: home teacher, Young Men’s President, Stake Sunday School Presidency. He and Iris served an LDS mission to West Africa-Nigeria, 1982-83 and then as a stake missionary. While in his mid-eighties, he worked as a nursery leader in the Sixth Ward.

Nolan loved farming, ranching, horses, children, family, church and community service. He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather. His example will live forever.

He is survived by his wife, Iris, of Malad; three children: Nolan A. Blaisdell, Malad; Janice (Hunter) Barrus, Deweyville, UT; Dean E. (Lorie) Blaisdell, Malad; step-children: Steven R. (Sheila) Barker, Salt Lake City, UT; Thayne I. (Margaret) Barker, Malad; Sherman L. (Deann) Barker, Pocatello, ID; LaNette (Brad) Wilkes, Paris, ID; 23 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; four sisters: Thora Jensen, Malad; Alice Edwards, Ogden, UT; Lorraine Dives, Malad; Helen Alverez, Las Vegas, NV; three brothers: Dale Blaisdell, Malad; Theron (Ruth) Blaisdell, Malad; Reed (Alene) Blaisdell, Willard, UT.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, James Edward Blaisdell; and brother Kenneth Blaisdell.

Funeral services were held November 17, 2004 in the Malad LDS Sixth Ward chapel. Burial followed in the Malad City Cemetery.