Robert Donald Neal

Robert "Bo" Neal passed away surrounded by family and close friends at St Charles Monday, November 7th. Born May 8, 1951 in Silverton Oregon, Bo was raised in the country around Stayton and Scio, part of a large extended family. He graduated from Regis High in Stayton and received a baseball scholarship to Treasure Valley community college. Following that, he attended University of Oregon, again on a baseball scholarship, where he was a catcher. Graduating in 1973, he went on to play for the Portland Mavericks, then the Dodger organization in Bakersfield California. A bad knee ended his baseball career. He married college sweetheart Jill Haney, and went to work for Columbia Helicopter, then moved on to Simpson Timber company before embarking on a successful career as a general contractor in Olympia Washington area. He built everything from waterfront homes, medical clinics, to recording studios, and enjoyed the various challenges. Eventually moving to Central Oregon, he continued his contracting. When the economic downturn struck, he and his brother Jim got a falling contract for the US Forest service and spent several years on the forest fires as cutters. Later, his "kind of" retirement was doing a few remodels and cutting trees on Black Butte ranch. Besides being a character, he was always ready to help anyone in need-pulling people's cars out of ditches, snow plowing driveways, jump starting cars, and any small chores needed. Sometimes people would "pay" by leaving beer or cookies on the doorstep. He loved that. Hunting, fishing, and the outdoors were his passions, as well as playing with his grandchildren! He is survived by his wife Jill, children John Neal and wife Ashley of Sisters, Christy Montermini of Olympia, Brian Neal of Henry Island (San Juans) as well as grandchildren Leo, Abram, Will, Emerson Montermini, and Henry Gwen, and Tristan Neal. We will miss him terribly, but he left a legacy of love, and we know that Heaven has received a very special person. Funeral mass will be held at St. Edwards catholic Church Friday, November 25 11:00 am. Donations can be made to Food for the Poor, in lieu of flowers, in his name.

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Robert Donald Neal

May 8, 1951 - November 7, 2022