David Bruce Neely

David Bruce Neely passed away peacefully in Bellevue, Washington on April 24, 2020, at the age of 80. He was born on October 2, 1939, the second of two boys, and raised in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, where he graduated from Queen Anne High School. He went on to attend the University of Washington, graduating in 1964 with a degree in Business Administration. While at the University of Washington, Dave became an active member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. It was here that he formed many lasting friendships. Dave also met his loving wife, Barbara, who he married in 1965. They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Over the years, he and Barbara lived in various locations in Portland and Bellevue. They eventually settled in the Clyde Hill area of Bellevue where they raised their two daughters.

Dave’s career in the transportation industry began as the Traffic Manager for Sprouse-Reitz Inc. in Portland. Following this he became a Traffic Consultant for Tolan Consulting in Seattle. In 1979 he was recruited by Lynden Transport Inc., where he became President of the company, and remained there for 25 years until he finally retired.

To those who knew Dave well, he was a gregarious and fun-loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, and was often described by his colleagues as a man of integrity. In his younger years, he loved to spend time on a racquetball court or on the mountain skiing, but as he got older, his love for the game of golf became his true passion. He was known for practicing his golf swing or working on the latest techniques at any hour of the day. If he wasn’t found on a golf course, he was attending a Husky game or traveling to one of his favorite places. Winters were spent in Palm Springs, while summers were spent at the family cabin at Christina Lake, along with many vacations to Hawaii or the San Juan Islands. He was practiced on the barbecue and loved to make Swedish Pancakes for his grandkids. Quality time with friends and family was savored by Dave, through which he created many special memories. He will be lovingly remembered by all.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, James and Marguerite, and brother, James.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his two daughters, Kimberlee (Rick) and Kristin, and his five grandchildren, Grant, Lily, Molly, Luke and Audrey.

An immediate family-only funeral service was held Friday, May 8 at Sunset Hills Memorial in Bellevue. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when larger gatherings are allowed.

Any donations can be made to the American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org or your choice of charity.