Ernest Neal

Thank you for sharing the early life of Ernie with us. Very well written. Thinking of you and your family. Godspeed...

Dear Ellen: I hope you know how much both Ernie and you meant to me, growing up, as a young high school girl. You both were inspiring and exceptional role models. I will forever remember Ernie at the front of his classroom, always in total control, "Now People...," he would say. My warmest thoughts and prayers are with you, Ellen, and your family. May God bring you peace, and may your memories soon revert to all the good times. You were blessed with the love of your life, and a fine and gentle man he was. Love, Sharon (Ward) Moy

Mrs Neal, Dan, Gary and family:
Very sorry to learn about the passing of Mr. Neal. His wonderfully written obituary reveals the successful life of a good man. I will always remember his kindness to me and how much I enjoyed being around the Neal family. I hope you find peace in the many good memories that he has left you.
Doug Wilson

I too had the Neals as teachers. I still remember the gleam in Mr. Neal's eyes as he stumped the homeroom with who in the room had gotten the highest GPA that term. Everyone turned to the smart guy in the room. Everyone (myself included) was shocked when I was announced. He boosted my self esteem by his delight in my success. Thanks from all the kids you boosted up over the years. My condolences to the family.

I had Mr.Neal for both a coach and teacher. He was dedicated to both and to kids. What a wonderful obituary. I think Mr. Neal and my parents went to Fenger high together. My condolences to the family.

Ellen and Family---Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I learned very quickly there was only one way to do things in high school Typing and Biology and that was to do it the way Ellen and Ernie told you to and that for a Burgher was hard to take some times. Thank both of you for being good friends with my parents.

Mr Neal was always one of the best teachers and coaches at Whitaker. The Neal house was the at the southern end of my universe growing up in Keiser and always a place of wonder and delight. I'll never forget the table he made with all the marine critters embedded in plastic that made them seem still alive. I haven't lived in Salem for 44 years but still think about your family often and wonder how you've been. So glad you've had your dad and husband for such a long time and sending best wishes to you all.

All my love to Ellen and Dan and Gary.. Your Dad and Mom touched all of our lives. Heartfelt condolences to you all. A good man..a Good life

I was a student of both Ernie and Ellen. Ernie got me interested in minerals ("they're not rocks!"). Ellen taught me how to type and nudged me into FBLA at McNary. They also lived one block from my home. They are both so very special and I am so sorry Mrs. Neal and family for your loss. Thank you for the difference you made in my life.

-Diana Lewellyn (Huskey), Scio, Oregon

Mr. Neal, you were a fantastic science teacher in my Whiteaker Jr. High days in the late 1970's! You had such passion about the topic and I was fortunate enough to be a classroom aide for you one year and got to help "prep the worms for dissection" among other experiments! You had such a kind heart. May you rest in peace and my your family rejoice in knowing what a great person you were for your students.

I'm so sorry Ellen...Ernie was a big part of my growing up. I'll never forget his speech inducting me into the McNary HS Sports HOF...and the visit I had with you to show off my plaque. May your family be at peace...Ernie is now in Heaven where he is teaching everyone the sport of basketball. <3

Mr. Neal...it was so obvious that he loved teaching. He was so positive in the classroom. What I remember most was his smiling, treating the students with respect, and helping all reach their best. My condolences to his family.

Much sympathy to Mr. Neals family and friends. I was a student in the 70's at Whitaker Jr. High.

Mr Neal was my PE instructer and basketball coach in the early 50's at Florence. He had a lot of patience when it came to coaching!! I remember viewing WWII pictures taken from his Bomber plane. I've always wondered about his life since then as I haven't known his whereabouts. I'm very happy that he had such a full and wonderful life. He was such a GOOD person!

I didn't realize Mr. Neal loved marine biology so much. When I was in his biology class he let me lead a marine biology field trip over to Sunset Bay for extra credit. Very memorable as he was!

I was in your class in Bandon and never knew what an interesting and full life you lived. Well done Mr. Neal. And Mrs. Neal I was in your business classes and wish you and your family Peace and love. Thank you for being a part of my life and such an inspiration. Jane Turner, Class of 1961 at Bandon High School

The Neal family was a part of my good childhood memories. Ernie and family lived a block down from us and we all ( my siblings and me) had great fun at their house! What I remember about Ernie is his sweet and pleasant face and smile. I was too young to have him as a teacher, but my brother may have. We were fortunate having them as neighbors. My heart goes out to you,Ellen, Dan and Gary.

Mr. Neal, as we all called him, was a great teacher...as was Mrs. Neal, and Bandon lost two great teachers when they moved to Salem. We remained in contact over the years and I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. My fondest thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Neal and all of the family!

Ernie was the kind of Teacher that left a lasting impression on those he taught. I had Ernie as a teacher In the 50's at Bandon High School. Class of 57

Gary and I were both students of Ernie and Ellen. We have been very thankful through the years for what they taught us and will never forget them for helping us through our 56 years of married life with three children who are very successful because of some of their teaching that rubbed off on us. We will always be grateful.