Jay Daryl Nielsen

I first met Jay in 1973 when he came to work in the Service Costs group at PNB I was in. He was a little older than the rest of the group,and had an opinion on everything and everybody. He would share those opinions at the dop of a chance comment. I quickly learned he had recently saved Boeing and several other PNB major clinets. He seemed to take a particular interest in a younger colleague’s hair, suits, un-shined shoes, and lifestyle, and I quickly formed a totally incorrect first impression.

It reminded me of the opinion some had on a Seahawks quaterback named Dave Kreig – “when you first met him, you cold tell right away…he was nothing special.” however, Kreig went on to the Hall of Fame as an NFL quarterback, and Jay in a very short time, made me realize how wrong my first impression had been.

Jay was a respector of people, but not position. I remember being in the elevator with Jay when the soon to be president of PNB, Andy Smith got on. Andy said Hello and asked Jay a simple policy questions, clearly supported by Mr. Smith. Jay repsponded with a shor, concise answer that did not set well with Smith. Andy got off at Jay’s floor and continued their animated discussion. Jay was unmoved and stood his ground.

A few years later, a fast rising start in PNB and Jay had a difference of opinion on how things were to be done-effectvely- in the old Plant Dept. Once again, Jay stood his ground when the political thing would have been to agree and let the young fella be right. Ont only did Jay ignore politics, he had a greater disdain for all whom this was their guiding prinicpal. After a month of mathemtical review, report analysis and discussion, they had to admit that Jay had been right.

In retrospect, I think Jay could have saved PNB/US West/QWEST along with Boeing had he been given the chance. He had the talent and integrity many others sorely lacked.

While Jay had many acquaintances, he chose his close friends carefully, and I was pround to be on of them. He invited me into his home, where his lovely wife Hope and their children went out of their way tomake me feel like a welcome member of the family. I truly enjoyed the poolside chats, dinners and occatsional parties at the Neilsen Mansion, as well as our lunch and golf games at Jay’s beloved West Seattle Munit golf course.

Occasionally, Jay and Hope would make the trek to the Fox ranch in Centralia to pick apples form the orchard and then makeing the apple cider- while keeping distance from the many cow piles. I think – help me out here Hope- we may have evvn gotten Jay on one of the horses.

My wife and my mother, both shrewd judges of people, immediately took Jay and Hope into their hearts and would ask about them often over the years. Such was Jay’s effect on people who took the time to know the real Jay and who Jay chose to let in.

Jay was my friend and I am proud to be his. I came to love Jay like a member of my own family. I wish I had been able to see more of him these last few years. My thoughts and prayers are with Jay’s family today.

And, by the way, Jay, I still owe you big for all the shared opinions, thoughts and deadly accurate and caring advice.

All my wishes = Mike Fox

Jay was indeed a great husband, father, uncle, granddad, friend, and role model. He possessed the attributes of true character – moral strength, love of family, sacrifice, sense of humor, fairness, integrity and faith. As a result, he now leaves behind a tight family and a stong circle of friends and admirers. On top of all that, he was a fine skier and lover of the outdoors.

Our little corner of the world is stronger for having him been a part of it. I have been lucky and fortunate to have known him for so many years. Good bye Jay, and thanks.

– My very best to Hope, Beck, Todd, Suzanne and your families.