Kris R. Nielsen ’67

Kris died Feb. 16, 2013, at his ranch in Cle Elum, Wash. He passed away peacefully, with his wife, Pat, by his side. He fought a long battle with myxofibrosarcoma, a rare soft-tissue cancer.

Kris came to Princeton from Loomis Chaffee School, and was an aerospace and mechanical engineering major. He was senior manager of the Chancellor Green student center and rowed on the freshman lightweight crew.

Kris earned a law degree at George Washington University in 1970. Then, 35 years later, he earned a Ph.D. in civil engineering at Kochi University of Technology in Japan.

Kris was both an engineer and a lawyer. He was a principal owner of many businesses in his career, most of them based on his extensive knowledge of construction. Kris was passionate about civil engineering and active in the American Society of Civil Engineers. In recognition of his achievements, in 2010, ASCE awarded Kris with its highest award — the OPAL lifetime-achievement award.

Kris’ prior marriages ended in divorce. He met Patricia Galloway through his work, and in 1987, their 26-year marriage began. The two worked together on projects and successfully managed their businesses together.

Kris and Pat established the Patricia Galloway and Kris Nielsen Foundation to assist scientists and engineers in developing creative and innovative ideas.

Kris is survived by Pat and four daughters from previous relationships.