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Born in Edmonton in 1950, Dr. Brian Nielsen’s lifelong connection to sport and education was deeply tied to the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ. As a student-athlete, he played for the Golden Bears football team and competed in track and field before earning both his Bachelor of Physical Education (1972) and Master of Arts (1974) degrees. He later completed his PhD in Education/Exercise Science at Arizona State University (1985).

Nielsen’s academic career was distinguished by his passion for motor learning, adapted physical education, and the psychology of physical activity. He played a key role in shaping KSR’s curriculum, serving as a professor and course coordinator, and mentoring students in both research and teaching. His commitment to teaching extended beyond his own classroom, as Professor John C. Spence recalls:

“Brian was a good colleague and faculty member. Aside from his wicked sense of humour and his prowess on the racquetball court, he was passionate about teaching. As such, he served as a teaching mentor both within the faculty and for the university in general. When I first joined the faculty, I consulted with him often about my own teaching and also attended several CTL [Centre for Teaching and Learning] workshops that he led.”

In 2001, Nielsen became the faculty’s coordinator of teaching services, supporting graduate teaching assistants and instructors. His dedication to mentorship left a profound mark on students, including Angela Bayduza, Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs, who remembers how he influenced her academic path:

“I first met Dr. Nielsen—and his signature ‘cat-like moves and gazelle-like leaps’—in the fall of 1993 when I was an undergraduate student in his PEDS 294 class, The Conceptual Approach to Physical Activity and Human Movement. In that classroom, I encountered the man who, with presence and conviction, articulated the very way I thought about my love for movement and teaching. He gave voice to ideas I hadn’t yet found words for.

After submitting my final term paper for his course that semester, Brian asked me to meet him in his office. I assumed the worst. When I arrived, he invited me to sit, and his first words were, ‘Have you thought about grad school?’ At the time, I had no idea what grad school was, let alone that it could be a possibility for someone like me. From that moment, Brian opened doors for me, took me under his wing, becoming my thesis advisor, my mentor, and my lifelong friend as I began my master’s program that following fall.

That was Brian’s way—giving, caring, empowering, and uplifting everyone around him. His guidance shaped my path and continues to influence me in my roles today as the associate dean undergraduate programs and as an associate teaching professor in the faculty of KSR. There will never be another like him, but his legacy burns brightly in the lives of those he touched.”

Nielsen’s ability to uplift those around him was also deeply felt by Mary Ann Rintoul, Associate Lecturer, who reflected on his generosity and warmth:

“I knew Dr. Brian Nielsen in my earlier years in the faculty and then again at various stages of his and my career. Brian was a colleague who quickly became a friend. He was welcoming, approachable, and made me feel like I belonged and had value here in these hallways. He was my supervisor for a very short time, and we used to have the most thought-provoking and exciting conversations about teaching and being taught. I have fond memories of uplifting discussions and insights he shared about his work and his life.

Brian will be missed and forever remembered.”

Professor PearlAnn Reichwein also remembers Nielsen’s remarkable presence and lasting influence:

“Brian Nielsen was a true educator. He was insightful, generous, and self-effacing, often making a quip to put others at ease and laugh. Then he would listen closely and speak clearly. His presence was jovial and grounded, also given to fair and deliberate good sense. This was evident in the Faculty Council as an academic community tasked with collegial governance. Brian brought many points to discussion over the years of his service. He also brought fairness and good judgment to his role as a Discipline Officer across the University.

Brian was a football player and later coached football here at U of A. On more than one occasion, I remember hearing Brian telling a story about his own required dance classes in PE while he was an undergraduate student. Considering his options in creative dance, his flexibility, and his strengths, he opted to choreograph his own one-of-a-kind Snowman Dance. Students loved this story and his presentation style. And so did we as faculty. He taught us all to mark and grade—two steps and all about natural breaks—and even made it entertaining, which is likely the highest compliment that I can think of in our line of work. He would truly love to laugh along with us today, and that is one of his enduring legacies."

Around campus, Nielsen was also known as a sought-after emcee at faculty events, and he was a beloved “Phantom” who secretly delivered Valentine’s cards to colleagues for years. His interests extended beyond the classroom—he was an avid reader of military history and amassed an extraordinary collection of over 300,000 toy soldiers and historical models.

Nielsen retired in 2006 but remained involved in KSR, teaching part-time until 2012. His dedication to education, mentorship, and community will be fondly remembered.

He passed away on January 9, 2025. His legacy lives on in the many students, colleagues, and friends he inspired throughout his career.

A heartfelt thank you to Pat Bates for providing valuable background information and photos that helped capture Brian’s legacy.