Nelson Marshall passed on March 17, 2026. Nelson, a Professional Civil Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor, mentored hundreds of upcoming land surveyors and held leadership positions within UCLS for many years. We remember his precise, accurate measurements, knowledge, hard work and ethics. 

Nelson’s work changed much over his career, from the slide rule to large Wang computers to laptops. In the field, his work morphed from transit and chain to geodimeter to total instrument to GPS. Nelson always adapted to new technology. Nelson chained many miles while creating control maps for others’ future use. His measurements were phenomenal and rival modern equipment. 

Nelson was the Uintah County Surveyor for 35 years, and surveyors use his control for surrounding rural communities. Nelson was a captain, commander and retiree from Company A, 155th Army Corps of Engineers. Nelson and two colleagues, Lanny Kay and Gene Stewart, founded Uintah Engineering and Land Surveying in 1964. The company has been surveying and designing facilities since then and now has a footprint in the western half of the U.S., from Canada to Mexico. 

Nelson’s son, Hal, remembers watching him attend Road School in Blanding, St. George, Cedar City, etc., and land surveyor conferences for years. You may remember him sitting near the front. He always had comments while others were hoping to leave the meetings.

Nelson will be missed, and his knowledge will be a loss. Nelson passed peacefully at age 97, surrounded by his loving family.