Wallace Neil Willoughby

In Memory of Wallace "Neil" Willoughby Born: February 5, 1938 Died: February 20, 2016 Wallace Neil Willoughby was born on February 5, 1938 in Decatur, IL to Wilbur Nelson Willoughby and Hester Elizabeth (Wallace) Willoughby. He was their only son, their pride and joy. When Neil was 4 years old the family moved to San Diego so that his dad could work at an aircraft plant there. The family settled in Linda Vista, a suburb of San Diego and became members of Linda Vista Presbyterian Church. Neil graduated from Kearny High School in 1956. Neil met his future bride, Lelia "Merlene" Osborn shortly after arriving in San Diego as her family also attended Linda Vista Presbyterian Church. The two were married on February 1, 1958 at the same church. They just celebrated their 58th anniversary. Neil was the father of four children, Bonnie (Prokop), Robert Edward, Carrie (Ruano), and Betsy (Brickley). He has seven grandchildren and one great grandson, Chad Prokop, Amber Brickley, Cory Prokop, Amanda Brickley, Aaron Ruano, Alexa Brickley, and Nathan Ruano (listed in birth order). His one great grandson is Carter Prokop, the son of Chad Prokop. Neil was a man of many talents. He served briefly in the US Navy Reserves but left that to pursue a career with the San Diego County Sheriffs. He retired from the Sheriff Department in 1993 after serving for 33 years. During his career he held many positions within the department. He worked at the county jail, as a bailiff at the county courthouse, as a patrol officer, and as an Auto Theft Detective. Perhaps his favorite part of the job was going undercover and growing a beard, wearing regular street clothes to work. Neil loved the outdoors and hobbies, old time cars, water skiing, fishing, desert trips, motorcycle/quad riding, model boat building, and most recently, watching car racing. Family and friends to numerous to count joined in all these activities. Neil was also involved in the Boy Scouts for many years with his son Robert (Bob). There were many life lessons to be taught in the scouts along with lots of adventures. Neil made friends wherever he went. As a Deputy, he worked all over the east county meeting people in many walks of life along the way. In recent years he was a member of the Elks Lodge in El Cajon. He participated in talent shows, deep pit BBQ's, community service events, and much more. Neil was preceded in death by his parents and his son. Neil's ashes will be scattered at sea and in the desert, two locations he loved in life. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2016 at 1:30 pm at Linda Vista Presbyterian Church 2130 Ulric St. San Diego, CA