Birth date: Oct 21, 1951 Death date: Jun 25, 2013
George Raymond Neal died of a sudden heart attack on June 25, 2013 at home. He will be remembered as being an accomplished mountaineer and outdoor sports enthusiast, an excellent professor, and a wonderful spouse and stepfather. Read Obituary
This is coming a little late but I just got the news on Facebook of George's passing. We were old buddies from his Spokane Mountaineer days. I was fortunate to be on several trips and Mountain School weekends with George. Everyone who knew him respected his mountain skills and he was a friend to all. It is a shame that he had to leave us so suddenly. George Neil, one of the best!
I arrived at SPSCC today for the first day of Fall quarter expecting to see George. I was shocked to find out that he had passed. George was a great instructor and a genuine, kind person. I will miss him.
Suzie Edwards
George was a dear, sweet man who could be tough as nails in the backcountry. The best friend I have ever had. A free thinker and open minded, he was always willing to listen to differing opinions but would speak his mind in a way that made you think. I am shocked at his untimely death, and so very, very sad. I looked up his name to see if I could get back in touch when I am out west later this month and found this obituary. I had not been in touch with George for several years after moving away from the Pacific Northwest, but thought of him often and would tell my friends to this day of funny things he used to say. I am sure that many of his friends will remember his cheery quip on parting after a beer or a lunch, “Well, glad you got to see me!” Or his common complaint when two outdoor activities he wanted to participate in occurred on the same date, “Darn, once again, my fun is interfering with my fun!” I have been carrying his wit and wisdom with me for years, and always will. St. Peter has a new climbing partner for those mountainous, billowy clouds we see far above on perfect spring days.
I never thought a heart attack would get George. I worked with him at the treatment plant in spokane from 1977 until he retired. I spent many of my lunch hours running with George and had a few very interesting discussion on our runs. We didn't always agree but we always friends. One of my classic memories of George , We had a retired Air force person at the plant. He and George did not get along. George took great pleasure at getting this person upset. As I walked into the parking lot heading to my car, I see George being chased on his bike by our retired air force guy yelling ( dirty words ) while George is laughing and doing circles around him. It may not seem funny now but I almost peed my pants. I will miss George. He had an impact on me and I am thankful for that.
I am extremely saddened to hear of George's death. I graduated from EWU with him in 1977, and we worked together first at the VA lab and then City of Spokane lab until he retired. He was a man of well-reasoned opinions and integrity, had an eminently logical and scientific mind, and a love of jokes and good humor. He definitely left a positive trace in this world.
George you were a thoughtful and friendly co-worker. I'll miss your smile and positive attitude at our CIS department meetings. A kindred spirit in enjoying outdoor activities and bicycle commuting to SPSCC. Peace, Professor Richard Hoagland.
George was one of my mentors when I started climbing in 1990. His quiet attention to detail and awareness of all that was happening around him was an important lesson for each of us as new climbers. I will miss both his quiet competence and his illuminating posts to facebook.
