of Conway, AR
April 27, 1986 - September 10, 2021
Christopher Dayton Nielsen, age 35 and born April 27, 1986, unexpectedly met his Lord on September 10. He was a 2005 graduate of St. Joseph High School and was a former member of Knights of Columbus Council 4143. Chris also belonged to St. Joseph's Cub Scout and BSA Troop 78.
Chris worked his way through high school and college as a meat cutter for Harps Food Stores in Vilonia and Mayflower. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, and a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Central Arkansas. He subsequently became a licensed counselor through the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling. He began his career at DaySpring Behavioral Health in Russellville and later was affiliated with Conway's Pinnacle Pointe Outpatient Behavioral Health and Conway Counseling and Wellness. Chris also provided counseling and therapy throughout the U.S. for the Better Health website.
In his free time,. Chris was an avid salsa dancer who also practiced Acroyoga. He loved movies and was a comic book and comic book statue collector. He operated his own YouTube channel known as Collectors Therapy.
Chris is survived by his parents, Raymond and Donna Nielsen from Conway and his life partner, Amanda Prescott, also from Conway. His relatives include his aunt, Jennifer Downs from Maumelle, his uncle, Greg Downs (Pat) from Little Rock, his first cousins are David Downs (Hannah) and Lauren Downs Korte (Hunter) also from Little Rock. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Margaret Nielsen from Seguin, Texas and Dr. Don and Letitia Downs from Little Rock.
Chris' services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway, beginning with a Rosary on Tuesday, September 14 at 6:00 p.m., followed by a visitation till 8:00p.m. and concluding with a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, September 15 at 1:00 p.m. Both will be officiated by St. Joseph Pastor Father Tony Robbins. Internment follows at the St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Chris' family welcomes donations made in honor of his passion to promote mental health. He devoted his professional life to giving his clients quality services while also recognizing finances are often a barrier for people needing treatment. If you would like to support financial assistance for those seeking mental health services, please contact Conway Counseling and Wellness Center at 855 South German Lane, Conway, AR 72034. Phone 501 358-6606.
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57 Condolence(s)
Jennifer
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Chris was a very special person and a good friend to all. We were roommates for two years and he was honestly the easiest person to share a space I've ever met. He was so laid back and always in a pleasant mood. I will always cherish our long talks we would have off and on and the laughs we shared. My pets adored him and you know they always have good instincts. He will be greatly missed.
Cody Wright
Sunday, October 3, 2021
My condolences I was one of Chris’s patients and felt much more than just his patient. I felt like he was one of my big close friends. I am very sorry for your loss.
Angela Ferguson
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Dear Donna and Ray,
I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Chris’ passing. I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling now. After reading Chris’ obituary and seeing all that he accomplished, I know you are so proud of him. He sounded like he enjoyed life to the fullest and did his best to help others. I know his life was cut too short, but he gets to spend that much more time in Jesus’ presence. I will be praying for you and Amanda to have peace.
Marilyn Zanini
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Dear Mr. & Ms. Nielsen,
I am so sorry to hear of your son Chris's passing. My heart and prayers are with you both and
your families. Mr. & Ms. Nielsen if you need anything please me know. From all of us hear at
Whispering Woods Hotel & Conference Center we are all thinking of you and your family during this time of sadness.
May God Bless Chris and all of You with much strength at this time.
Thinking of All of You,
Marilyn Zanini
Mitch and Amy Cadavechia
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Mitch and I send our deepest sympathies at the passing of your son, Christopher. Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Mark Andrews
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Ray and Donna , we are so saddened to hear about your son’s passing. We too have recently suffered the loss of our son. If we can help you in any way we would be glad too. Mark and Beth Andrews
Ron Bramlett
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
I’m very sorry to hear about Chris. I was one of his professors at UCA. He was a kind and compassionate young man. Every time I saw him, he was smiling. I enjoyed having him in class and appreciated his contributions to our classes. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Dennis Pabin
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
I remember the days of playing flash light tag in the neighborhood with Chris. It's been many years since I've spoken with him, but it appears from these comments that he has truly made a difference in the community. I'm our hearts our memories with him live on.
Tammy
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
I received counseling from Mr.Chris. He was so excited about hopefully seeing my unborn daughter in December this year. He helped me through so much and Understood so much. I’m only 19 and I found a connection that I was longing for like my cries for help stopped when I opened up to him. He had a personality that would make a room full of people just smile. My prayers go out to the family of Mr.Chris. May God bless you all.
Sharon Seelye
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences on your loss of Christopher. He was a blessing to many people. May our Lord give you peace and comfort during your time of sorrow.
Kamryn Pruitt
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
My heart goes out to the Nielsen family. Chris was a great person and an even greater therapist. I hope he knows how appreciated he was and how much of a difference he made in many people's lives. Sending my best to you all. <3
Safira Heard
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you! My child received therapy services from Chris. I am very grateful to have met him. Such a nice, caring, compassionate and funny guy he was! He's touched the lives of so many. He will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace with our Lord and Savior!
Todd & Susie Freyaldenhoven
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
We are heartbroken hearing of the loss of your Christopher. We are praying for you and your family. May God grant you peace.
Craig Imboden
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Donna and Ray, we are so sorry to hear the passing of your son. We will continue to pray for all of you in this time of sorrow. May perpetual light shine upon him.
Craig and Rene
Shirley Baker Bowen
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear about Chris. I have a friend who knew him through his graduate studies at UCA and she spoke to me about what a fine man he'd grown up to be. My prayers are with you both.
Jennifer Brewer
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
I'm so sorry, Ray. Our family is keeping yours in our prayers.
Robert & Charlene Bland
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Ray and Donna we were so saddened to hear of Christopher passing. Being part of the AETN family we celebrated the birth and achievements of our children. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
George Allen, lcsw
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Condolences to the Family...🥀
Jim Kocher
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May God bless you.
John Barta
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Chris and I have known each other over a decade, meeting online through forums. We have talked nearly every day. I am still in shock over what happened. Chris was a funny, caring, passionate guy. I loved him very much. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, and Amanda.
Virginia Brock
Monday, September 13, 2021
Sorry for your loss. You in my thoughts and prayers.
Sheila Rieathbaum
Monday, September 13, 2021
Sorry for your loss and prayers. My son was getting therapy with Chris and was truly wonderful. He will be missed terribly.
Sue Sewell
Monday, September 13, 2021
Ray and Donna,
I have been praying for Chris ever since I heard that he was in the hospital.I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you in these trying times. Remember all the good years and memories he has given to you.
Sue Sewell
Francisco Garcia
Monday, September 13, 2021
Chris was a good man. He was my therapist and helped me through a lot. He taught me how to see things in a more positive way. He devoted his life to helping others and I am forever grateful for what he did. God bless him and his family.
Priscilla Hall
Monday, September 13, 2021
Our family grieves with yours over this loss. I knew Chris for 15 years. I worked at Harps with him and he was the current therapist of 1 of my children. We pray for peace in the hearts of all of his loved ones. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Ann Snuggs
Monday, September 13, 2021
Ray and Donna, I was SO sorry to hear this sad news. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Deepest sympathy and virtual hugs to you.
Ann Snuggs
MARY ALICE HOLMES,
Monday, September 13, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap his arms around in your time of need. Prayers!
Elton & Sharon Robertson
Monday, September 13, 2021
Ray and Donna so very sorry to learn of Chris's death. You and you family are in our thoughts and prayers. Grant Eternal rest to him O' Lord!
Cary Woody
Monday, September 13, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Chris’ presence and warm smile will be missed by his Pinnacle Pointe family. Sending prayers and warm thoughts.
Diana Mackinen
Monday, September 13, 2021
God Bless your beloved son. Another star in heaven.
Laura Hiegel-Williams
Monday, September 13, 2021
God Bless him. We are praying for you all. I always remember him and another student making these big elaborate comic books at the After School Care when they were in middle school. He had a great smile and will be missed by many.
James and Gloria Sutton
Monday, September 13, 2021
Ray and Donna, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Christopher. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
As you know, we also lost a daughter in 1982 and you just have to hold their memories close to you heart each day.
Sheliah English
Monday, September 13, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss. God bless you!
Mark Zimmerebner
Monday, September 13, 2021
My heart goes out to all, especially Ray and Donna, and Amanda, and all the family.. Please call or text, if I may be of service in any way.
Bart Puckett
Monday, September 13, 2021
Prayers for you and the family
Pam and Johnny Brown
Monday, September 13, 2021
Ray and Donna,
We were so sorry to hear of this and will keep you all in our prayers for comfort during this time.
Pam and Johnny
Lori Tsukiji
Monday, September 13, 2021
My deepest sympathies to Ray and Donna. Thinking of and praying for you and your family during this sad and difficult time.
Randy O. Bowling
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Ray:
So sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts & prayers are with you & Donna at this time. Floyd Hooten told me several decades back that out living a child is one thing you never get used to, you just have to learn to live with it.
We've two couples we know who've lost adult children, one to a one vehicle accident another to an aneurysm in his sleep. Sherril lost her sister & brother in law 3 years ago to health problems. I don't think her parents will ever be over either loss in their lifetime, now in their late 80's.
Again thinking of you both & will be at the memorial service in spirit, due to my own health problems.
Randy O. & Sherril A. Bowling
(Corpsman-on-Deck)
R.O.B./
Julie Emanuel
Sunday, September 12, 2021
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Ray! Sending prayers for strength and comfort! God bless you all!
Antigoni Tsamparlis
Sunday, September 12, 2021
My deepest sympathy for the heartbreaking loss of your son Chris . No amount of words can express the pain that you are going through.Sending you love and prayers that you are able to find strength during this dark time.
Ginny Walker
Sunday, September 12, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dianna Wheeler
Sunday, September 12, 2021
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Christopher! Praying for God’s peace and comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Pam Keefer
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Chris was a very important part of our clinic team. We feel his absence keenly. My deepest condolences to all of the family.
Kathy and Lindell Atkinson
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Ray and Donna: we are so sorry for your loss of Christopher. Our hearts are broken for you. May God grant you both peace and comfort as you go through these next days and weeks.
Deb Markin Johnson
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Thoughts and prayers with you all during this difficult time.
God bless you and cherish the wonderful memories ðŸ™
Mary Opson
Sunday, September 12, 2021
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved and extraordinary son. His life had such meaning-and as one who has also worked in the field of mental health I am sure Chris was a help and blessing to so many. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.
Jimmie and Shirley Covington
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Our deepest sorrow to you and Donna for your loss.
Charlanda Ford
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Chris will be greatly be missed at Pinnacle Pointe. His memory will live on through his family and friends. I offer my sincere condolences to his family. My prayer is you find strength and peace during your time of bereavement.
Jaymie Hopkins
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Chris’ Pinnacle Pointe work family was so sorry to hear of his unexpected passing. Our sincerest condolences to his family as you mourn and celebrate his life.
Rosemary Sinquefield
Sunday, September 12, 2021
So sorry for your loss. My sincere sympathy and prayers go out to all that loved him. ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»
Gary Schultz
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Sincerest condolences as you celebrate the extraordinary life and mourn the tragic passing of Christopher. Your AETN friends share your loss.
Christine & Bill Distelhorst
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Our Sincere Sympathy and Prayers for Ray and the family!!
Tracey Bacus
Sunday, September 12, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Linda Crowley
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Keeping you in my prayers. My deepest sympathy to you.
Carol Erickson
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Sending love, thoughts and prayers to the whole family. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. RIP
Andrea Grigg
Sunday, September 12, 2021
The Grigg family is so sorry to hear the loss of your son. You and your wife are in our prayers.
Donna Kellar Johnson
Sunday, September 12, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about your sons passing. Your both in my prayers.