Neff Edward Haskell

NEFF EDWARD HASKELL A man whose gentle nature, witty sense of humor and kind spirit matched the strength he built through a sport he loved died unexpectedly in an accident in Chico, Jan. 12, 2024. Neff Edward Haskell, 74, of Chico, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was born in Pasadena July 9, 1949, one of six children of David Haskell and Alice (Vasquez) Haskell. Neff graduated from Montclair High School in 1967, then attended Chaffey College and then Pasadena City College, where he played football and earned an associate's degree. Neff transferred to Chico State in 1971, moving to Chico with his first wife, Patricia, to major in English. Neff worked at the Chico State Facilities Management Department and served as supervisor of the moving crew. He retired after 38 years on the job. Weightlifting and working out were activities Neff loved tremendously as a young man, and it led him to become passionate about competing in bodybuilding, a sport he enjoyed with two of his brothers. Neff won the title of Mr. Chico in 1982, then went on to win the 1983 Sacramento Golden Bear. He tacked on championships in the Bay Area Over-40 Masters Division in 1990, the San Francisco Over-40 Masters Division in 1991, and the Northern California Over-40 Masters heavyweight division, the Over-50 Masters heavyweight division and the Masters overall division at the age of 53. It was to be his final competition. Neff advocated for the sport of bodybuilding, and promoted the Chico Bodybuilding Contest from 1983 to 1993 and 2001 to 2009. He loved promoting the event, but also spending countless hours mentoring young men and women as they sought to excel in the sport. He met the love of his life, Denise, in 1983. He planned a trip with her to ride mules into the Grand Canyon in 1987 and proposed to her during that time. It was the beginning of a 40-year span as best friends and a love that will live on forever. Neff was 38 when he proudly became "Papa" to his first grandchild, LaShona. He was fortunate to become "Grandpa" to three more grandchildren Charlie, Neftali ("Neffy") and Maeve. Neff cherished the time he spent with all of his grandkids. Neff enjoyed life's simple pleasures, which included taking trips with Denise and their toy poodles, driving their RV to Lake Almanor, watching whales in Fort Bragg, visiting family in Idaho and spending quality time with his family. "Neff was our family rock," Denise said. "He always made his family feel loved, and we will always love him greatly, miss him deeply and keep him in our hearts forever." Preceding Neff in death were his brothers, David Haskell, Garry Haskell and Walter Clark, and his parents. In addition to Denise, survivors include his sister, Kathleen Sabado; his brother, Sam Clark; daughter, Angelyn Haskell; son, Neftali Haskell and his wife, Ally; and his four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Neff requested there to be no services. The Neptune Society of Northern California is handling final arrangements.