Harry was born July 7, 1924 in Leonardville, KS to Harry Woodward Neil and Cora Edna Quick Neil. Along with a sister, LaDene who was born in 1925, the family moved from Kansas to Everett, WA in the early 1930s.
Harry attended Everett High School. He was a proud World War II veteran, enlisting in the US Navy in 1941. Harry served as part of the initial crew of the USS Iowa when it was commissioned at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in 1943 through the end of the war; he then served aboard the USS Whetstone. Following his Navy discharge, Harry served in the US Coast Guard. His working career included driving truck for Consolidated Freightways and ONC; he retired from CP National (now Avista) as a technician. In retirement, Harry enjoyed boating in the Puget Sound and golf. Though legally blind, Harry hit a hole-in-one at Bear Creek Golf Course in 1999.
In 1949, Harry married Doris Dean Kier and together they had two daughters, Carol and Roberta. In 1973, Harry married Clarice Joan Swanson Ruch, adding her three sons, Kirk, Keith and Ken, to his family.
Harry was a loved and respected husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He enjoyed spending time with his family and looked forward to the weekly gathering of his Bear Lake veterans group. Harry was also an avid reader of audio books.
Harry is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Clarice, children; Carol Hood (Lyle), Roberta Bustamante (Terry), Kirk Ruch (Lori), Keith Ruch (Petal) and Ken Ruch (Sandy); 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren (with an additional two on the way), two great-great grandchildren and a niece, Joy Baker. He also leaves his ‘girls’, Annie and Rosie. Harry was preceded in death by his parents and sister.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Oregon Talking Book and Braille Library, 250 Winter St., NE, Salem, OR 97301.
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