Gene Paul Neely

In Loving Memory of Gene Paul Neely

December 18, 1943 – January 6, 2026

The world is often defined by those who speak the loudest, but the life of Gene Paul Neely was a profound masterclass in the power of quiet strength. Gene, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, pioneer, and USAF veteran, passed away peacefully at his home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on January 6, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy built on the steady foundations of dependability, intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering love for his family.

A Foundation of Resilience and Adventure

Gene was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania, on December 18, 1943, to Lawrence Neely and Mildred Fischer Neely. On July 16, 1944, he was baptized and received into God’s family. Gene was the youngest of five boys. He shared a special, lifelong bond with his "very slightly older" twin brother, Dean. Together, the two were a force of nature—exploring the Pennsylvania countryside, racing, laughing, and, as the family recalls, rarely coming home clean.

An early accident with a tractor challenged Gene’s with a foot injury, and it only served to sharpen his creative resolve. He graduated from Keystone High School in 1961, the same place he met the love of his life and future wife, Barbara. Gene and Barbara were married on December 26, 1964, beginning a journey of over 61 years rooted in deep devotion and shared adventure.

Driven by a love for the outdoors, Gene headed west to become a "Grizzly" at the University of Montana. He attended on a USAF ROTC Scholarship, graduating in 1965 with a degree in Forestry. While he began his studies among the trees, the United States Air Force called him to a different kind of frontier. During his four years of service, where he achieved the rank of Captain, Gene discovered a natural aptitude for the emerging world of computers.

A Pioneer in the Digital Wilderness

After his military service, Gene returned to the University of Montana to earn his MBA in 1972. He and Barbara moved to Milwaukie, Oregon, where Gene became a true pioneer of the Silicon Forest. In the early days of programming, Gene did what few others could: he bridged the gap between the natural world he loved and the digital world he was building. He wrote the first software ever used to control sawmill equipment, a feat that revolutionized the industry.

Gene was a leader, not a follower. He eventually founded his own company, Synchrony, where he acted as a "computer wizard" for sawmills, water testing labs, and retreading companies. As his grandson Michael noted, Gene was bold and determined; he shaped his life around what he believed was best, always leaning into the next advancement in software with a hunger for learning that never faded.

The Epitome of Dependability

In a professional world that often prioritizes flash over substance, Gene was the "E.F. Hutton" of his circle. As a friend aptly noted, "When Gene spoke, people listened." He was a patient listener who didn’t need to fill the room with noise. Instead, when he offered his thoughts, they were packed with wisdom, knowledge, and a quiet charm that commanded respect.

This dependability wasn't just professional—it was the heartbeat of his family. To his sons, Bret and Jeff, he was a steady anchor. To his grandchildren, Michael, Megan, and Kate, he was the man who would always show up. His granddaughter Kate remembers him as the first person to offer a helping hand, whether it was changing a car battery or providing the perfect camping gear for a Gonzaga game. He didn't just say he cared; he demonstrated it through action.

A Life of Motion and "Flexible Stubbornness"

Gene lived a life in motion. He was an avid skier, hiker, fisherman, and cyclist. His tenacity was legendary—once, after breaking his leg on a ski trip, he simply skied himself down to the car. He explored the trails of the Pacific Northwest on his bike and even took his passion for cycling to the roads of Europe.

Yet, for all his grit and "stubborn" determination, Gene had a remarkably soft heart for those he loved. His family admired how he would join Barbara in activities far outside his comfort zone—from world travels to the theatre—simply because it made her happy. He was a man who knew exactly what he liked (especially if it involved cherry, mud, or apple pie) but was never afraid to try something new for the sake of his family.

Service and Legacy

After decades in the Portland and Camas areas, Gene and Barbara retired to Coeur d’Alene in 2012, where he spent his final years enjoying the beauty of North Idaho.

Gene Paul Neely is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his sons Bret (Kelly) and Jeff (Michelle); and his three cherished grandchildren, Michael, Megan, and Kate. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Jim, Earl, and Barney, and is survived by his twin brother, Dean.

Funeral Mass:

Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Remembrances:

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the University of Montana Alumni Foundation or the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation, reflecting Gene's lifelong love for his alma mater and the trails he loved to explore.