Nellist Rand

Rand Nellist of Liberty, Missouri, left us too soon and unexpectedly from the comfort of home. Because he was an organized, detail-oriented type of guy, we feel the need to be precise. He passed exactly at 4:35 p.m., on December 29th, just four days after celebrating Christmas with Kim, his soulmate and wife, and their extended family. As it was on this perfect night and countless others before it, Rand found a way to bring people together and, through his humor and quirky wit, make everyone feel loved and cherished. Rand packed a lot of life into his 53 years and somehow was both young at heart and wise beyond his years at the same time.

He was born on June 10, 1968 in Moline, Illinois and grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended South Omaha High School. He later graduated and earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix and has a couple of framed diplomas to prove it. Funny enough, this beautiful, bald man started his career as a hairdresser before moving into outside beauty supply sales. This is undoubtedly where his lifelong love for proper grooming originated, but way more importantly, this is how he met Kim, also a hairdresser, while on a convention business trip in New York. Much more on her soon, but as careers go, for the past 13 years, Rand worked as a Senior Project Manager at Continental Disk Corporation, a place where he excelled, and that is filled with people he truly enjoyed.

Little-known fact – as a kid he lost the use of one of his eyes in a car accident. We only bring this up because it never kept him (or his good eye) down. The man literally went on to earn his pilot license. Like flying, he turned all his hobbies into passions: collecting guitars (mostly Fenders), big boy toys and a bunch of other stuff his wife now must organize. Most of all, what Rand really loved to collect was memories with Kim – a tough, independent gal he made a little softer. They were married on October 15, 2000, a more perfectly balanced couple you won’t find. He liked Van Halen, the Eagles and Little River Band. She liked Lionel Richie. He a risk-taker and adventurer - she a little more grounded, but happy to go along for the ride. Together they traveled, camped, drove the back roads and never ran out of things to talk about. Kim and Rand were just getting started, but zero regrets.

Survivors include his wife Kim Nellist of the home, father David Nellist of Omaha, father-in-law Russell Hays of Kansas City, sisters Kare Nellist of Omaha and Lynda Mallott (Michael) of Odessa, daughters Andrea Gaage (Mike) and Autumn Chambers (Bobby) both of Grain Valley, and nieces and nephews Skylar, Brennan, Meadow, Dylan, Gabby and Henley. In a fitting final act, Rand chose to be an organ donor, saving and improving the lives of others. His family and friends are proud of him and will miss him dearly.

Rand Nellist of Liberty, Missouri, left us too soon and unexpectedly from the comfort of home. Because he was an organized, detail-oriented type of guy, we feel the need to be precise. He passed exactly at 4:35 p.m., on December 29th, just four days after celebrating Christmas with Kim, his soulmate and wife, and their extended family. As it was on this perfect night and countless others before it, Rand found a way to bring people together and, through his humor and quirky wit, make everyone feel loved and cherished. Rand packed a lot of life into his 53 years and somehow was both young at heart and wise beyond his years at the same time.

He was born on June 10, 1968 in Moline, Illinois and grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended South Omaha High School. He later graduated and earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix and has a couple of framed diplomas to prove it. Funny enough, this beautiful, bald man started his career as a hairdresser before moving into outside beauty supply sales. This is undoubtedly where his lifelong love for proper grooming originated, but way more importantly, this is how he met Kim, also a hairdresser, while on a convention business trip in New York. Much more on her soon, but as careers go, for the past 13 years, Rand worked as a Senior Project Manager at Continental Disk Corporation, a place where he excelled, and that is filled with people he truly enjoyed.

Little-known fact – as a kid he lost the use of one of his eyes in a car accident. We only bring this up because it never kept him (or his good eye) down. The man literally went on to earn his pilot license. Like flying, he turned all his hobbies into passions: collecting guitars (mostly Fenders), big boy toys and a bunch of other stuff his wife now must organize. Most of all, what Rand really loved to collect was memories with Kim – a tough, independent gal he made a little softer. They were married on October 15, 2000, a more perfectly balanced couple you won’t find. He liked Van Halen, the Eagles and Little River Band. She liked Lionel Richie. He a risk-taker and adventurer – she a little more grounded, but happy to go along for the ride. Together they traveled, camped, drove the back roads and never ran out of things to talk about. Kim and Rand were just getting started, but zero regrets.

Survivors include his wife Kim Nellist of the home, father David Nellist of Omaha, father-in-law Russell Hays of Kansas City, sisters Kare Nellist of Omaha and Lynda Mallott (Michael) of Odessa, daughters Andrea Gaage (Mike) and Autumn Chambers (Bobby) both of Grain Valley, and nieces and nephews Skylar, Brennan, Meadow, Dylan, Gabby and Henley. In a fitting final act, Rand chose to be an organ donor, saving and improving the lives of others. His family and friends are proud of him and will miss him dearly.