Obituary of Patrick McNeil

Patrick †œPat†� James McNeil, Sr. died peacefully at Porter Hospital on the morning of March 10th in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 72. Pat McNeil is survived by daughter, Colleen McNeil of Parker, CO; daughter-in-law, Amy McNeil (Hodapp) and grandson Paul McNeil of Huntington, WV; honorary grandson Justin Holley of Milton, WV; brother, Maurice †œMike†� McNeil of Indianapolis, IN; brother, Christopher McNeil of Liberal, KS; sister, Audrey Bolson (Dambacher) of Seattle, WA; brother, Jon Dambacher of Seattle, WA; brother-in-law, Paul Schneider of Des Moines, WA; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and beloved cat Buffy. He is preceded in death by his wife, Janet McNeil (Daugherty); son, Patrick †œJim†� McNeil, Jr.; father, Maurice †œMickey†� McNeil; mother, Doris McNeil (Lucchesi); sister, Margaret †œLynne†� McNeil; sister Helen Schneider (Dambacher); and precious dog Goldie. Pat McNeil was born on January 3rd,1950 in Seattle, Washington. He was adopted by Maurice and Doris McNeil of Oak Harbor, Washington around the age of 3. He graduated from Harry A. Burke high school in 1968, where he was on the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp) rifle team. He enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry in 1969. While in Vietnam on a flight out to a Fire Base near the Cambodian border, his helo was shot down. The pilot†™s legs were shattered, their radios shot-up and they had little food. Pat carried the pilot on his back for a week in order to get back to friendly forces, while avoiding the Viet Cong. A Herculean labor if there ever was one, and in doing so he destroyed his health. After his return home, he married Janet Daugherty, his high school sweetheart in 1970. The couple welcomed 2 children, Patrick James †œJim†� McNeil, Jr. in 1972 and Colleen Anne McNeil in1975. He graduated cum laude from University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1981 with a degree in Engineering. After moving to Parker, Colorado, Pat began working for Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) as an Industrial Engineer. After medically retiring in the early 1990†™s, he enjoyed traveling the western United States, fishing and spending time with family/friends. After a decline in health forced him to go on dialysis, a family gave the gift of life through organ donation, and Pat was able to live an additional 13 years with better health than he had known in decades. During those gift years, he was able to do many things, like drive a NASCAR car, go whitewater rafting, and indoor skydiving. This also allowed him to watch and help his grandson grow to adulthood. Pat possessed those essential characteristics that many desire and few possess: a strong moral compass and an almost mythological strength to do what has to be done no matter the obstacle. He will be remembered for his love of family, fighting spirit, dry sense of humor, his leadership and guidance, will to live life to the fullest, and for being a great dad/papa/friend. Some will remember him as the no-nonsense Range Safety Officer. Others will remember him as the fun-loving Dad and Papa. All will remember his signature expressions. A funeral with full military honors is scheduled for March 18th, at 9:30 am at Fort Logan National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Pat†™s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to any organizations that support Veterans or to Donor Alliance. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all of the wonderful people at Parker Adventist Emergency Department and at Porter Adventist Hospital for the excellent care they provided to Pat and for their incredible compassion and support shown to him and to the family.