Neil J. Filley

Our Hero, our Champion. Neil Filley, adored son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, died August 20, 2012 at the Denver Health Medical Center from massive head injuries sustained after a fall while exploring the cliffs of Fourmile Canyon. He was 20 years old. Neil was born in Charleston, Illinois where his Boulder family lived briefly until their return to Boulder when Neil was 10 months old. Neil attended Crestview Elementary, Centennial Middle School, and graduated from BoulderHigh School in May of 2011. Neil declined admission offers from six universities to take time off to explore. He was a natural athlete, starting with karate in preschool and kindergarten where he was named student of the month. He played soccer throughout grade school where he was nicknamed "the rock" and "the rover" among others. He switched to track in middle school and he ran varsity track and cross country at Boulder High, qualifying for state his junior year. He ran the Bolder Boulder eight years. Neil enjoyed music and played percussion and piano. After just hearing a song he could play it for you, sheet music was never necessary. Neil was a prolific artist and author, leaving behind volumes of stories and comics and winning the praise of his teachers for his creativity. His drawings are filled with characters who will continue to bring to life the integrity, thoughtfulness and humor that Neil shared. He loved animals and his pets. Kara, Wags, Felix, Oscar, Boomer, Odie and Rodney were blessed with his gentle care and rowdy playtime. Neil volunteered at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley and had just begun to volunteer at GreenwoodWildlifeRehabilitationCenter. Neil's family and friends were inspired by his unwavering concern for the environment. He noted every small lifestyle change he could make to reduce his impact on the earth, even riding his bike to school during the worst snow storms to limit his use of fossil fuels. He worked as a Junior Ranger for the City of Boulder Open Space and MountainParks, and was a graduate of the Colorado Outward Bound program in Leadville. Neil will be greatly and forever missed by his parents Jon and Suzan Filley, his little sister Hannah Filley and big sis Sarah Filley, his grandmother Pierrette Barut, all of Boulder; aunts and uncles Chris Filley, Josh and Melissa Filley, all of Denver, Dwight and Pam Filley of LaJolla, CA, Sibel and Chap Kusimba of Chicago; cousins Eric Filley of Summit County, Eve and Jesse Kusimba of Chicago; and lifelong Boulder friends who will remember Neil and his unrivaled sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Dr. Giles and Mary Filley, his maternal grandfather Prof. Asim Barut, and his uncle Turan Barut. Neil had declared himself an organ donor and per his wishes he gave life to four individuals who received life saving organ transplants on August 22. His heart now beats in Oklahoma City. Neil's short life gave us so many joyful memories we will forever cherish and immeasurable sorrow at the passing of his gentle soul from this world. A celebration of his life is tentatively scheduled for September 9, details to be announced. Contributions: Rocky Mountain Rescue, 3720 Walnut St., Boulder, CO 80301 or Humane Society of Boulder Valley, 2323 55th St., Boulder, CO 80301.