Donald H. Neff
Donald H. Neff
On Thursday, August 1, 2019, Don Neff, loving husband, passed away at age 83 from congestive heart failure.
Don was born on February 27, 1936 in Chula Vista, CA to Edward and Rita (Kelly) Neff. Don spent his formative years in Webster Groves, MO graduating from high school in 1954. He graduated from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH in 1959 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Production Management. On May 13, 1981, he married the love of his life, Barbara Wichman Prosser.
After completing ROTC in college, Don served in the Adjutant General’s Corps, U.S. Army.
Upon conclusion of his military service, he held positions in manufacturing firms in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana. He moved to Seattle in 1971 to become Plant Manager for Alcoa Construction Systems. In 1975, he joined MARCO as Manager of Manufacturing. and later going to Eldec Corporation of Lynnwood, WA where he retired after 17 years.
Don always looked forward to retirement and lived it to the fullest. His interest in travel both within the states and Europe blossomed. He was happiest with a map in one hand and a glass of wine in the other Over the years, he established a core group of travelers that toured Europe together. He also loved meeting new people in his travels. In order to spend months on the road, he devised an idea to have a fulltime house sitter who would manage his home while traveling.
Don was preceded in death by his mother, Rita, and father, Edward, brothers: Edward, and Jerry. He is survived by his wife, Barb, his daughter, Diana Neff and his stepdaughter Lorri Anderson (both from a previous marriage), sister Bonnie Kontaratos, Beverly Neff and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his cherished house-sitters and their families: Erin (Murray) Walker, Angela Taft Hunsinger, April Eagan, Allison Kudla and Lucy Fei. And the special girls who called him Grandpa – Katie and Julia Crews.
We will remember him for his droll humor and zest for life. He will be sorely missed
11 Responses to “Donald H. Neff”
Leave a Reply
Please be respectful. Disrespectful comments will not be published
When you have successfully submitted a comment, look in the space above to see your comment.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
If you do not see your comment, click HERE
A good man led a good life. To be loved and to live the life that you want…something precious few attain. Rest In Peace, Don.
If Don taught me anything over the years; it would be to not waste time, and enjoy life to the fullest–with a glass of wine in hand, of course!
I will miss him tremendously, but I am comforted by one thought–Don can now travel any place he pleases, no reservations needed!
You said it perfectly: he was happiest with a map in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. With Barb.
So enjoyed the precious little time we were able to spend with Don. A great person.
Three things that I shared with Don: telling you what’s really on his mind; love of wine; and sick and twisted sense of humor. I think that’s part of why we loved each other.
Rest in peace, Comrade.
I’m going to always remember and reflect on the many things Don taught me as my boss and friend for 16 years. He was always supportive, wry and his own man. Rest in peace friend and mentor.
Bon Voyage to my Travel Buddy. Don always enjoyed the journey and the people he was with. He planned his own memorial cruise. Now that is a prime example of his humor.
Don had a can do attitude and a determination to experience life in its fullest. He was a great travel friend, a loyal friend and just plan fun to be with.
When John Thorson died Don suggested that on our future trips we should reserve a seat on the bus for him. Rest assured Don will have a seat on our trips.
We first met Don and Barb on a trip in Eastern Europe. His love of travel and meeting people was evident from our first encounter. We looked forward to their return to the desert each year, catching up with them and hearing of their recent journeys. He was as enthusiastic about sharing his travel experiences as he was in helping others plan their adventures. He will be missed as an advisor and a friend.
Don would call my kids when they were little and talk to them as Santa. And he would call and leave messages on my cell phone, with his deep and assured voice, saying it was God calling. Both calls totally believable! (Except I would not have expected God to be calling to invite me to dinner, or to complain that I had not returned his earlier call.) Living LIFE (yes, all caps) to the edges, Don’s love of Barb, his family, friends and travel were larger than life itself. Don’s absence will be noted, time and time again, here and around the world.