Bernice Alice Nielsen Colburn
Bernice Alice Nielsen Colburn, 91, passed away at
Legacy House Assisted Living in Logan on Nov. 4th,
2006.
Born April 5, 1915 in Salt Lake City to wonderful
parents, Bertha Gygi and Peter Aagaard Nielsen,
Bernice was raised in a loving family, the middle
child in a family of seven children. Growing up in
Salt Lake City with 2 brothers and 4 sisters, afforded
her many wonderful experiences.
Bernice developed a love of the outdoors at an early
age, spending time with her family in Millcreek and
City Creek Canyons, Southern Utah, and Yellowstone
Nat'l Park. Music was also an important part of her
growing up, learning to play the Banjo and playing in
the family band was a memory she often spoke of.
While working as a waitress at Keeleys restaurant in
Salt Lake City she met a young handsome soda fountain
manager named Jim Colburn. They were married Oct 28,
1937. Supporting her husband in his desire for
education and love of the airline industry, Jim,
Bernice, and their young family moved to California.
They also lived in Montana, and eventually back to
Utah where they made their home in Logan and resided
for over 60 years.
Together, she and Jim owned and operated Colburn
Travel Service for 35 years, making many friends and
establishing themselves as respected and loved members
of the community. Bernice traveled extensively and
always enjoyed the opportunity to escort groups such
as the Logan Business and Professional Women's
organization of which she was an officer. But, most
memorable were the trips taken with friends and family
to such places as Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, and
the Orient.
Bernice was an avid golfer and valued her membership
and friends at the Logan Golf and Country Club. As an
officer of the Ladies Association and a member of the
women's golf team, Bernice received many awards and
proudly displayed them in her home. She also enjoyed
playing bridge and belonged to several ladies bridge
groups. Always showing great pride in her yard,
Bernice could be found working outside until dark
creating a beautiful place for cookouts with friends
and family.
Many of Bernice's closest friendships began in her
20th ward neighborhood and through her membership in
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints where
she served in various positions.
Most important to Bernice was spending time with her
family. Because she was an excellent cook, she loved
spoiling them with highly anticipated Sunday and
holiday dinners at her home. Just a few of the family
favorites were Christmas fruit cake, her famous
oatmeal raisin cookies, creamy mashed potatoes, and
pies of any variety.
We love you so much and thank you for the example you
have been, the pride you've shown in your children and
grandchildren, the wonderful holidays together,
traditions you established, your amazing sense of
humor, listening ear, friendship, inner and outer
beauty and your unselfishness. You truly are our
angel.
Bernice is survived by her daughters Sharon Hudson of
Layton and Kathy (Kim) Petersen of Smithfield,
daughter-in-law Sharon Colburn of Arlington, Texas and
her sister Lois (Gerritt) Steenblik of Salt Lake City.
She leaves a beautiful legacy to her nine
grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren, and
numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was
preceded in death by her parents, husband of 65 years
James R. Colburn, son James Robert, brothers Edward
and Peter, and sisters Inez, Adrienne, and Doris.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday,
November 10 at the Allen-Hall Mortuary Chapel, 34 East
Center St., Logan. A viewing will be held from 6-8 pm
on Thursday, November 9 and from 9:30-10:30 am on
Friday prior to services at the mortuary. Interment
will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences and
thoughts may be extended to the family online at
Allen Mortuaries.
As a family our hearts are full of gratitude and love
for the staff at Legacy House. We thank you for your
kind and watchful eyes and friendship to our mother
and grandmother for the past 3 ½ years. We also offer
special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Huffman and the ICU
staff at Logan Regional Hospital for their care and compassion.