Neil Dale Reeve

Neil Dale Reeve, born Aug. 6, 1927, passed away on May 14, 2019.

Neil was the fifth of eight children born to Vernon and Ruth Reeve in Kahlotus Washington.

Neil married Evelyn Arnst on October 26, 1947 and celebrated their 71st anniversary last fall. Together they raised a family of five: Terry (Bernie), Jim (Paula), John, LuAnn and Ron (Sharon) and have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Neil lived a life of jobs that were a service to others. He was an instructor of plumbing to service members in Adak, Alaska, repairing damages done by the many earthquakes there. Neil moved his family to Guam and was a proud instructor to people who were anxious to learn this trade, making life better for their people. Neil was proud he was able to teach his craft to them.

The family enjoyed the few years they spent on Guam but eventually returned to Washington, where his careers included owning his own plumbing business, City of Moscow Water Works, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and retired from this and then continued to work part-time for the State for a few more years until he "re-retired" full time. He was also an ombudsman for hospitals and nursing homes and also served on the Adams County Board of Equalization for several years.

Although Neil and Evelyn lived in many, many places over the years, he loved living in Ritzville, where after retiring he found a love of computers: learning them, building and repairing them and donating them to others in need. He was always there to help his family remodeling or with many various projects over the years.

Neil was admired for his love of family, for his sound advice and being there all along the way. Some comments coming in as Neil having a quiet wisdom and a strong understated presence about him, being a steadfast loving man with the "best smile ever."

Neil is survived by Evelyn, his five children and by his only living sibling, Francis. He had a life well-lived and was well-loved.