Clyde Leroy Neal's Obituary
Clyde Leroy Neal passed away on July 18, 2016 at the feisty age of 96 in Gig Harbor, WA. Clyde was known for his humor (“Feeling fine as frog’s hair!”), love of the outdoors and adventure, hard work and sincerity. These qualities won over many during his time in Washington, and Clyde was often referred to as “their favorite”.
While he enjoyed his time in Washington since relocating in 2008, his heart was always in his beloved Gunnison Valley. An avid sportsman, Clyde shared many outdoor adventures (especially fishing, “cook-outs”, hunting and snowmobiling) with family. Many of Clyde’s nieces and nephews can tell at least one story of fun that they had with Uncle Clyde taking them fishing in the high country.
Clyde loved to tell a big story—whether it was about jockeys and movie stars at Hollywood Park or his time as a minor league baseball player or something that happened just last week—there was always a surprising tale up his sleeve.
Clyde’s life was not all fun and games—a hard worker from a very early age, traveling around to farms from age 8 to help his family. In 1942 Clyde served his country as a 1st Class Seaman aboard the USS Alabama. Clyde’s work life was equally fascinating and included running slot machines to New Mexico from Pueblo, working for Baxter’s in Glendale, CA, helping to build the Crystal Dam in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Director of Buildings and Maintenance for Western State College, a position that would garner him the honor of the Colorado State Employee of the Year prior to his retirement in 1987.
Clyde’s sense of fun and adventure will live on in all of us whenever we get a twinkle in our eye or enjoy something new. Clyde is survived by his two daughters Diane Neal Barz (Kim Barz) and Mauneen Collins (Greg Hoeker), as well as his granddaughter Aimee Collins (Ken Gibson) and his 3 great-grandchildren—Annabel, Collin and Emelia Gibson. He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Annabel.
Memorial services will be held in Gunnison, Colorado, on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Clyde’s memory to the National Alzheimer’s Association or Sierra Club.
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