Neil Mackenzie Ivey

Neil Mackenzie Ivey tragically passed away on January 24, 2025, after an unfortunate accident. He was 52 years old. Neil was a beloved husband, devoted father, wonderful brother, and cherished friend who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Ivey. He is survived by his loving wife, Laurie (Felsing) Ivey; his three wonderful daughters, Kendall, Peyton, and Shea; his mother, Carole (Laing) Ivey; his brother, Jeff Ivey, and his wife, Janice; and his sister, Noelle Kehrley. Neil was a proud uncle to Danny, Ray, and Emily Ivey, Alex Patch, and Jacob Horton, as well as Tío Neil to Camila and Luke Felsing, the children of his brother-in-law, Myles Felsing, and his wife, Christina (DeLima) Felsing. He also leaves behind eight cousins and a wide circle of friends who became family.

Neil was born on March 24, 1972, in Detroit, Michigan—his parents’ tenth wedding anniversary, a fact he loved to remind them of. He grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Peters Township High School in 1990, where he played on the two-time Pennsylvania state soccer championship team. In 2024, he and his teammates were honored with induction into the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Hall of Fame.

Neil continued his academic and athletic journey at Kenyon College in Ohio, where he majored in International Studies, played soccer and rugby, and was an active member of the Lambda chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon. As fraternity president, he played a pivotal role in revitalizing the chapter, leading an exceptional group of new members, thereby saving the chapter.

It was at Kenyon that Neil met the love of his life, Laurie. They married in 1998 on the campus where their journey together began. Over the next 26 years, they built a beautiful life together, living in the Washington, D.C. area and Lake Oswego, Oregon. Throughout his career, Neil held leadership roles throughout the years, including Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Director of Business Development, and President/CEO. His business travels took him around the world.

The Ivey family moved to Lake Oswego in 2012 and quickly became a cherished part of the community. Neil’s easy-going nature, sharp wit, and boundless energy made him a magnet for deep and lasting friendships. He had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcome, turning casual acquaintances into lifelong friends.

Above all, Neil was a devoted husband and father. He took immense pride in his daughters’ accomplishments, supporting them in every endeavor, whether coaching and cheering them on in lacrosse, soccer, and cheerleading or celebrating their successes in dance and academics. His love for his family was limitless, and nothing brought him greater joy than being a husband to Laurie and a father to Kendall, Peyton, and Shea. He was endlessly proud of them: Kendall, a graduate of the University of Oregon, recently became engaged to Carter Swan; Peyton, a graduate of Colorado Mesa University, is currently pursuing a graduate degree at Durham University in England; and Shea, a junior at the University of Arizona who is excited for a career in Medical Device Engineering.

Neil enjoyed coaching youth soccer and lacrosse and was active in this role during his time in South Riding, VA, and Lake Oswego. He liked to describe himself as “the greatest coach ever”, and he loved sharing his experiences with those he coached.

Neil had a rare mix of intelligence, fearlessness, loyalty, and humor that he passed on to all three girls. He loved music, golf, and most of all, having fun. He never took himself too seriously and had an uncanny ability to make people laugh. If you ever attended a gathering at the Ivey home, you were likely coaxed into an impromptu karaoke session, belting out Eminem or Bowie. With Neil, the unexpected was always part of the adventure. His spontaneity and quick-witted, hilarious commentary made even the simplest moments unforgettable.

Above all, Neil will be remembered for the joy he brought to many lives, the laughter that followed him everywhere, and the deep, unwavering love he had for his family and friends. His presence was a gift, his friendship a treasure, and his impact will remain in our hearts forever.

Neil was proud to be an organ donor, and through this selfless act, he has already changed and improved several lives.

A celebration of Neil’s life will take place in May in Portland. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to an animal shelter of your choice. Additionally, please consider honoring Neil by signing up to be an organ donor. He was proud to be one and because of him, several people have received lifesaving gifts from him.