Neil Leon Knapp

Neil was born in Eureka, Montana, on August 25, 1943, and was raised in Colville, WA. He graduated from Colville High School in 1961 and enlisted in the Navy, where he served in the Asia-Pacific with Fighter Squadron Eighty-Four as a jet aircraft mechanic. After his service, Neil and Vicki married in 1968 and raised two sons in the Spokane Valley area. Neil enjoyed camping, fishing, and scouting activities with his family.

Neil worked as an engineer with the Union Pacific Railroad and retired in 2004 after 33 years. After retirement, Neil and Vicki bought a home on Deer Lake where they lived for 20 years. They had many happy family gatherings at the lake, with boating, fishing, swimming, and celebrations on the 4th of July.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Oak and Mary, and brothers Lloyd, Bob, Hugh, Gerry, and Frank. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Vicki; sons William (Julie) and Greg (Patty); five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Neil will be inurned in a memorial bench in Pines Cemetery in the Spokane Valley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Neil’s memory to Cancer Care Northwest Foundation.