Lloyd F. Nilson, Jr.

Type of Donation:       Organ (heart, kidneys, and liver)

Age and Location:      Age 41– Rubidoux, CA

Date of Donation:           01/03/2001

Sponsor:                      Honored by Nu Acoustics, LLC

LLOYD’S STORY

Lloyd Frederick Nilson Junior was the eldest son of Lloyd and Clarice, and the oldest of five siblings. He was a beloved uncle to fifteen nieces and nephews and was deeply loved by his entire extended family. Lloyd was the proud father of three children and, even though he passed away before his nine grandchildren were born, his legacy lives on through them.

As a young man, Lloyd made difficult life choices that led him to serve time in a correctional facility. With the support of his family and rehabilitation, he transformed his life and made a positive contribution to society.

Lloyd was a giant of a man with a cream puff heart. He was often helping someone in need. He was frequently found under the hood of a car, repairing everything and getting people back on the road. He had a brilliant mind when it came to diagnosing car problems. He was the warranty mechanic for Carcraft Autoshop in Riverside. He continued his career at E.L. Yeager as a head mechanic.

Lloyd loved all things fast! He loved trucks and cars and enjoyed restoring his 1968 muscle car. He loved spending time at the dunes, especially riding ATVs and dune buggies.

Lloyd learned lifesaving skills as a Boy Scout. He once pulled a near-drowning child out of his apartment's swimming pool and resuscitated the child, using mouth-to-mouth and CPR. That little boy fully recovered. Lloyd was awarded a letter of commendation from the local Boy Scouts district in recognition of his lifesaving services.

Lloyd followed in his father and brothers' footsteps and became a volunteer firefighter, contributing thousands of hours of service to the community of Jurupa Valley.

While on Christmas vacation with his family, Lloyd sustained a traumatic head injury and was hospitalized. When medical professionals told them that he was not going to recover, his family made the difficult but generous decision to honor his legacy through organ donation. His heart, liver, and both kidneys were donated — with one kidney going directly to a family friend in need.

Lloyd's youngest granddaughter is a heart recipient. She received a lifesaving heart transplant at three months of age, and a second chance at life. She is currently six years old. Today, Lloyd's legacy of service lives on through his donation. He will always be his family's first hero.