Obituary: William Neal

Bill was born the brawny third son to Brady and Esther Neal and grew up on their family farm in Trout Lake, Washington, along with five brothers and one sister. He met and married Christy Saunders (d. 1987) and the two enjoyed many good years making their first home in White Salmon, Washington, and eventually moving to Hood River, Oregon. They raised three beautiful children, William Jeffrey “Jeff,” Kenneth Bradey “Zeke,” and Michelle Marie.

Primarily a woodsman, Bill’s “working” years included his own logging company, working in the woods for other companies, and in later years running heavy construction equipment. Many projects around Hood River County, the Columbia Gorge and beyond gained their infrastructure because of his exceptional skills. Bill also pursued every passion he ever dreamed of: Hunting, fishing, raising horses and mules (and a few silly goats, too, how about that?), racing Jeeps, piloting his own Cessna, clamming, snowmobiling, nothing was ever off the table; and no matter the adventure, it always included his family.

While he kept plenty busy working and playing hard, he did not hesitate when the chance for new love arrived. Bill fell hopelessly in love with Pat Lively, also of Hood River and a legend in her own right. The two joined their families and pursued love and life together for 38 beautiful years. Blended families are not for the faint of heart, but the two gave each of their children what they needed most: Parents with a deep devotion to each other above all else.

Bill and Pat put their love into action by including each of their children in building their cabin in Trout Lake. Our family went on for many years to enjoy summer weekends, winter ski trips, Christmas celebrations, many of “Pop’s” birthdays, a couple of weddings, and a tender memorial for oldest son Jeff. The cabin saw the addition of many new friends, family members, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren over the years and served to foster love within our extended family even though we might only see each other once a year. Our dad always had the fire going ahead of time, delighted in every adventure there, and never missed a chance to see when we could come again. The cabin nurtured us all and, as our dad would say, “Isn’t that the point?”

Our ‘onery but precious husband, dad, Pop, “Poppa,” is survived by his treasured wife, Pat; children, Zeke Neal (Terina), Michelle Nilsen (Al), Wes Lively (Kathy), and Lisa Lively (Patric Montgomery); brothers, Art Neal (Mary), Leland Neal (Patty), Gary Neal, and Lance Neal, and sister Linda Lamb (Alan); 10 adoring grandchildren and eight darling great-grandchildren (including a set of twins!). He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeff Neal (d. 2022, wife, Cheryl); and brother, Glen Neal (d. 2025, wife Monya). 

A celebration will be held this summer in Trout Lake and all are welcome. Please reach out to the family for details.

Our family wishes to thank the kind neighbors at Onsite Supply House for their attentiveness and quick action. We are also ever-grateful to the West Side Rural Fire District; they came to our dad’s rescue (literally) on a number of occasions over the years. Please consider a donation to support their emergency services program. Donations can be made to the West Side Rural Fire Protection District (RFPD) at 1185 Tucker Road, Hood River, OR 97031.

Columbia Gorge News, Jan. 14, 2026