Neil Halbert

1934 - 2025

Neil Halbert
January 5, 1934 - August 9, 2025
Neil Ross Halbert, age 91 born on January 5, 1934, in Clay Center, Kansas; and passed away in Fruitland, Idaho, on August 9, 2025,. Neil was born in the midst of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. His family, like many others, made the journey to the Northwest settling in Payette Idaho in 1938. Neil attended school in Payette and was active in sports, he was in the class of 1952. Neil joined the National Guard and served in the Air Force from 1949-1953 (yes, he was only 15) he received the National Defense Service Medal and the Germany Occupation Medal.
After the military, Neil returned to Payette and helped his family run their bar "The Club". He met and married Carolyn "Mickey" Davis and they quickly started their family. Neil secured a job at Ore-Ida foods in Ontario and next thing you knew the house in Payette on 8th Avenue was full of kids starting in 1967-1972 Wally, Tracy, Lisa and Lenny.
A GED was needed to move forward at Ore-Ida and in 1975 he received that certificate and continued a long career. He took immense pride in his job, rarely missing work and was known to be a fair and knowledgeable boss. The early 90's Neil suffered the loss of his wife Mickey and his son Tracy, these were difficult times for him. He retired from Ore-Ida in 1992.
Neil met and married Catarina (Cathy) Ramirez in 1991. They enjoyed times of fishing, camping and resided on Hill Road in Payette the duration of their marriage. Neil found his pew at the Payette Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed fellowship there, and with his classmates from Payette at their reunions. The retirees' group from Ore-Ida and friends at the VFW also were important to him.
His love for baseball was evident, especially his friendship with Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew. He was known to be outspoken while spectating at Payette Sports events of Lisa and continued that legacy with his grandson Tyson's events in Fruitland. He followed all of his grandkids sports and kept tract of their statistics. He even attended a few events for his great grandkids!
An avid gardener, and collector, he also enjoyed exploring yard sales and tracking his favorite sports. His passion for history and connection to his community was demonstrated through his commitment as a "historian" of Payette. He was always a Pirate and was truly a Patriotic American.
Fighting heart disease over the majority of his life, you would see him often walking the track in Payette. He was faithful to exercise and refused to allow his condition to stop him from moving. If he wasn't walking, he was driving, a 1973 blue Ford Courier, really slowly! He loved his truck and was driving and walking the track just months before his passing. Over the years, a special friendship was formed between Neil and Dr. Morris Smith in Ontario. Neil was always glad to go see Dr Smith!
Neil leaves behind a loving family and a legacy of hard work, dedication, and integrity. He is survived by his beloved wife, Catarina; His son, Wallace Halbert; daughter, Lisa Halbert; grandsons, Tony Artea (Jennifer), Tyson Flannery (Sarah), Mason Halbert (Chanea) Ryder Atagi (Alexandria), and Fisher Atagi (Alondra); and granddaughters Marissa Flannery and Ocie Atagi. In addition, he cherished his 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom reside in the Treasure Valley. He is also blessed to have a dear sister-in-law, Shelia Whiting and his close neighbor Ed Ritchey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary (McChesney) and Leonard Halbert; his wife, Carolyn (Mickey) Halbert (Davis); sons, Denver Burton, Tracy Halbert and Lenny Halbert, Daughter: Christine Burton; siblings, Merlin Halbert, Lee Halbert, Shirley Ray, Jack Halbert; Grandson, Anthony Burton.
A memorial service honoring Neil's life will be held at the Payette Church of The Nazarene on Friday, August 22, with viewing at 10 a.m., memorial service at 11 a.m. followed by a family graveside ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. His services are under the direction of the Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel Payette.