Encounters of the Third Kind: Join us for an informal gathering on Thursday, June 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Old City Park to share stories and memories of Joel Nystrom.
We’ll have a PA system and microphone for those who’d like to speak, with soft music and a photo slideshow playing throughout the evening. Please bring a lawn chair and come prepared to share a favorite memory, story, or moment with Joel. Light refreshments will be provided.
This will be a time for old friends to reconnect – some who have moved away will be returning, joining locals who knew Joel throughout his decades in Moab. Whether you worked alongside him, shared music with him, or simply enjoyed his company and generous spirit, your stories and presence will help celebrate the life of a man who touched so many.
Joel Nystrom was just passing through Moab in 1974 when the red rocks, towering canyons, and majestic mountains captured his heart – and he never left. For over fifty years, he called this stunning landscape home, finding endless joy in hiking the trails, exploring the Colorado River from Moab to the Grand Canyon, and simply soaking in the natural beauty that surrounded him daily.
As a general contractor, Joel’s skilled hands helped build and renovate countless homes and businesses throughout town, leaving his mark on the physical landscape of Moab. But it was his character that truly built lasting foundations in this community he came to love so deeply.
Those who knew Joel remember a man with a dry, witty sense of humor and an infectious positivity that drew people to him. He was the kind of person who would literally give you the shirt off his back – a rare presence in this world who embodied what it means to be genuinely caring. Whether mentoring young tradespeople starting their careers or simply being the guy everyone wanted at their gathering, Joel had a gift for making others feel valued.
Music was Joel’s personal passion, and locals knew the sound of his guitar, banjo, and voice at community events and informal gatherings with fellow musicians. He was equally passionate about winemaking, tending a small vineyard since the 1970s and crafting wines – especially his renowned Utah Black from rare grapes – that he generously shared with friends and family.
Joel was a loving father and grandfather who cherished his family, along with his passions for sci-fi and animals. His light-hearted approach to life, combined with his ability to be serious when it mattered, made him someone people could count on and enjoy being around.
Joel is survived by his two children, Leelya and Yarley; five grandchildren, Akyra, Ty, Oscar, Braxton and Charlotte; and siblings Bruce and Shirley, along with their families.
Joel touched many lives throughout his years in our community. These gatherings offer us the chance to celebrate his life, share the stories that keep his memory alive, and honor the legacy of kindness and craftsmanship he leaves behind.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Joel’s family, friends, and the many community members who have generously donated their time, resources, and support during this difficult time. Your kindness in helping organize these events, sharing memories, and ensuring Joel’s legacy lives on reflects the same spirit of generosity that Joel himself embodied throughout his life in Moab. The outpouring of love and support has been a testament to the lasting impact Joel had on so many lives in our community.
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