Michael Shawn "Mike" McNeilly

In Loving Memory

It is with great sorrow that I share with you that Michael Shawn McNeilly passed away peacefully at his home on Friday October 24, 2025. Michael was born in Lusk, Wyoming on July 14, 1950. His wife Terri, family, and friends are all deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death.

Mike was a proud, devoted, and loving husband of 39 years to his partner in literally everything, Terri. They enjoyed camping, their RV, and took annual vacations to their favorite places. Southern California, Canada, Leavenworth, and anywhere else they could either snow ski or golf. Mike found true happiness being outside where he could be found working in his yard, detailing his cars, walking the beach, or playing a little golf. Once Mike and Terri retired, they split their time between Leavenworth, WA and Oceanside, CA, became "snowbirds", and golfed year-round. Golf with Mike was a happy, social treat. It involved companionship, patience, tips, lessons, rules, laughter, looking for golf balls, and good golf, of course. He understood all of the components of golf and enjoyed club making and tinkering with his game and equipment. He was good, he could play!

Mike truly never met a stranger, or forgot a name, face, or story. He was a brilliant, positive man who loved his wife immensely. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge spanned from finance, insurance and lumber sales, his golf game and equipment, and getting the best deal for everyone that touched his life. Be it the Leavenworth Golf Course that he chaired for 12 years or being the president of our HOA board for more than 20 years. Mike was known for his generosity, especially with his time, and unwavering support for his golf and HOA communities. His passion for doing what was right was evident in everything he did. He was an honest, respectful, fiercely loyal, caring, and strong-willed man that you always knew where you stood with him. He brought joy, kindness, and warmth to everyone who knew him. His handshake, laughter, beautiful smile, and comforting hugs will be greatly missed.

He was also an amazing athlete. He was good at whatever sport he played. His baseball talent started at a very young age and included many accolades. He was inducted into the NWAC Hall of Fame at his junior college, Lower Columbia College, and then played two seasons at Gonzaga University. His two-year total at Gonzaga on the mound was 19-6 with an ERA of 1.37 including 15 complete games. He holds the Gonzaga record for a single season ERA of 0.78 in 1971. He also hit .410 in 1972 which is #5 All Time at Gonzaga. His outstanding playing career carried him through to four Major League Baseball draft picks. In 1970 (LCC) in the fourteenth round by the Yankees, 1971 (Gonzaga) second round by the Athletics, 1972 (Gonzaga) first round by the Braves, 1972 (Gonzaga) first round by the Mets when he was the third player picked in the June secondary draft. Mike signed with the Mets and played one season of minor league ball before an injury ended his career after one season. He returned to Gonzaga in 1974 and 1975 where he was an assistant baseball coach to Larry Koentopp, the Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach. The return to college also provided him with the opportunity for a college degree in psychology and a master's degree in guidance and counseling from Gonzaga University.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Terri McNeilly, his four brothers Jerry, Marty, Jeff, and Kevin, his sisters in-law Jill, Stacey, and Renee, brothers in-law Greg and Jim, nieces Brooke and Courtney, nephews Kelly, Casey, Mike, and Isaac, and his many golf friends who will continue to honor his legacy by embodying the values and love he shared for his family and the game. Mike touched so many lives, and he will be deeply missed, but never, ever forgotten.

At Mikes request there will not be a funeral, but instead, a private gathering to celebrate his remarkable and well lived life.

May Mike rest in peace, forever remembered in our hearts and out on the golf course.

Please share your condolences for the family and memories of Mike on his Tribute Wall.