Neil Xavier McNeilly, 85

Neil Xavier McNeilly, 85, of Kalispell, passed away Sunday, May 9, 2016, of natural causes.

Born and raised in Whitefish to parents John and Josephine McNeilly, Neil had two brothers, Jerry and Michael, who all three attended school and grew up in Whitefish.

Neil, after high school, attended college in North Dakota to play football. Sports came easily to Neil, including basketball, football, baseball and golf.

Neil joined the U.S. Navy in 1950, along with his buddies, and continued his athletic abilities while in the service.

In 1951 he married Florence. While Neil was still in the Navy, their son Matthew was born at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego.

Upon discharge of military service, they moved back to Whitefish for a few years. Their family moved to Spokane where Neil worked at the Crescent Department Store. During their years in Spokane, they had two daughters, Mary and Melinda.

Soon thereafter, Neil was hired by U.S. Steel. During Neil’s years with U.S. Steel, the family was transferred to many different cities and states, including Medford, Oregon; Chicago and San Jose, California.

Neil began working for a ski company, which brought them back to the Pacific Northwest. During all of Neil’s years, he continued his passion for golf and fishing.

Retirement brought Florence and Neil back to Montana. They live in Kalispell, where Neil passed away at the age of 85.

No services are planned.