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Neil MacDannald Obituary
Stockton, CA
Neil R. MacDannald
September 1, 1954 - July 15, 2008
Neil R. MacDannald was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved to spend time with his family and friends. He was born on September 1, 1954 in Modesto, CA and grew up in the Stockton/ Modesto area. He passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Neil worked for 20 years at San Joaquin Delta College as a Database Analyst and later as an IT Manager. He was highly regarded in his professional career. It was at work that he met his wife and soul mate, Chris. They attended the Calvary Presbyterian Church.
In his younger days, Neil enjoyed hiking and racing trucks and motorcycles, anything with a motor. He was a professional motocross racer and won numerous races and awards. Later Neil still enjoyed riding his dirt bike recreationally on family rides and dual-sport events. He was a big NASCAR fan. Neil also enjoyed traveling, creative writing and studying Japanese. His favorite trip was experiencing life in Japan for a month. He loved his family and friends very much and will be deeply missed by all.
Neil was preceded in death by his father Darold. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Christine; sons, Neil Jr. (Sarah) and Alexander; mother Marion; sister Janet Bates (Jim); brother Dayl, and grandchildren Kaylee and Kaden.
Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 3 at 4 p.m. at Calvary Presbyterian Church, 2343 Country Club Blvd, Stockton, CA 95204.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Neil's name to the Calvary Presbyterian Church or to the college fund set up for Alex MacDannald, c/o San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95207, Attn: Cashier's Office. (209)954-5026.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neil MacDannald
Ellen Tanouye
August 10, 2008
Dear Chris and Alex, We were very saddened to hear of Neil's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God's comfort and healing be with you in the days ahead. In His grace, Pastor Ellen and Michael
Rita Verde-Fellows
August 3, 2008
Neil will truly be missed by many friends and loved ones. I will always remember him as a gentle man with a warm smile. My prayers are with you Chris, Alex, Janet and family.
Rita
VERNON A. & JOYCE A. MCDANNALD
August 3, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Racing at Chowchilla Speedway
Steve Terry
August 2, 2008
In 1975 Neil was in his prime while competing at off-road race against the best of the factory-backed pros at the old Riverside International Raceway. He was leading the 250cc class closing in on the Open class riders.
The Open class started 30 seconds ahead of the 250’s.
Neil pushed his 250 though Open class up to third place when a horrific high-speed flip left him with near-fatal injuries.
We prayed for Neil. We just wanted Neil back home.
Hardly a day has passed that I don’t thank God for the last thirty three years .
The stories and tribulations of Neil’s adventurous journey through life would have most normal guys spending several life spans trying to accomplish.
My heart maybe broken but it will always hold the special memories of our friendship.
Until we ride again good buddy.
Gloria Osumi-Vorhies
August 1, 2008
Neil, as an older Cousin of Chris's, I was happy to see you made Chris so happy.When I met you, you made her smile, laugh and you were such a gentle, quiet individual and I could see you were the love of her life. There is a large void in all of the lives you have touched. You have left her the best gifts on earth, TWO Sons who I know will watch over her until you meet again.
I am sorry our lives did not cross more often for us to know each other better, but I am glad that they crossed, so that we got to know a little about you and and saw how happy you made my Cousin. You will be missed so much by family and friends.
Our love and thoughts To Chris, Alex and Family. May God watch over you and your family. Until your together again.
All our love Auntie Midori, Cousins Douglas and Gloria
"I love the smell of wet desert in the morning"
August 1, 2008
Happy Trails my friend.
August 1, 2008
Winners
August 1, 2008
Chowchilla Motorcycle Races 1997
Steve Terry
August 1, 2008
In 1975 Neil was in his prime while competing at off-road race against the best of the factory-backed pros at the old Riverside International Raceway. He was leading the 250cc class closing in on the Open class riders.
The Open class started 30 seconds ahead of the 250’s.
Neil pushed his 250 though Open class up to third place when a horrific high-speed flip left him with near-fatal injuries.
We prayed for Neil. We just wanted Neil back home.
Hardly a day has passed that I don’t thank God for the last thirty three years .
The stories and tribulations of Neil’s adventurous journey through life would have most normal guys spending several life spans trying to accomplish.
My heart maybe broken but it will always hold the special memories of our friendship.
Until we ride again good buddy.
Jeff West
July 31, 2008
I knew Neil his entire life, and can't remember not having fun with him. I enjoyed our many conversations.
Having being a part of the MacDannald family my entire life, losing Neil is like losing a brother to me.
Marie-Line (Marilyn) and I share your saddness in the loss of our beloved Neil.
Dick Hagerty
July 29, 2008
So many great memories, and such brief years to enjoy them.
Wading through all his trophies on the living room floor,
having him ride as my co-pilot 400 miles down to El Arco to support Darold and Roy in the 1971 1000
(Neil with no driver's license, so I drove the whole route)
his grinning face as old Dad and I pitted in many subsequent races,
and most of all the great support he gave to his parents and his family.
Neil, a great guy, and we will miss him.
Lynn Patino
July 29, 2008
Hi, my name is Lynn (Beckwith) Patino, I found out from my father, Chris Beckwith that Neil was my very distant cousin 3 times removed or something like that. I would like to express my condolences and my sorrow for your loss.
Hahn Family
July 29, 2008
We were sadden when we heard of Neil's passing. May Heavenly Father's love and peace surround you and bring you comfort.
H. Osborn
July 28, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. Sincerely, the Guaranty Bank March Lane staff.
Nancy (Hotline/SJDC)
July 28, 2008
Chris, Alex and family,
Develop (a Neil word) strength with the enormous love Neil had for all of you and cherish Neil’s memories to make you even stronger. From the first day I met Neil in Fall 1989 at SJDC till the last time I saw Neil in Spring 2008 at Red Lobster with Chris and Alex, Neil has always been a kind and soft spoken person with me. And as a friend, I will miss Neil’s smile when he greeted me.
Nancy Nakamura
July 26, 2008
Neil, thank you for introducing me to live Nascar races. I always enjoyed the visits to Stockton to see you, Chris, and Alex and going to McDonalds for breakfast. I also enjoyed reading your stories and our recent talks about how God answers prayers. Love, Nancy
Maureen Freeman
July 26, 2008
Chris and Alex,I'm so sorry for your loss.I think of you often and hope the support and love surrounding you helps ease some of the pain.Maureen Jackson-Freeman,C.N.M.
Kevin Kroeze
July 26, 2008
To Neil's family,
Our condolences go out to all of Neil's friends and family. Memories of Neil will never be lost. I still talk about the off road and motocross days.
Sincerely,
Kevin and Holly Kroeze
jim bates
July 26, 2008
Neil always had a kind and generous way too all he met. I will miss his smile and good nature. My thoughts and prayers go to Chris, Alex, and the rest of Neil's family and friends.
Barbara Barroga
July 26, 2008
It's always sad to lose someone who has been part of the Delta family. My heart goes out to you, Chris and family, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God put his loving arms around you and give you the peace and comfort that you need to get through this difficult time.
Neil and Chris at Chris's Birthday
Janet Bates
July 25, 2008
Chris, So sorry for your lost. We miss Neil so much. Here is one of my favorate pictures at your Birthday.
We Love You
Melissa Green
July 25, 2008
May the memories of Neil be remembered forever, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love,
Melissa (SJDC)
Catherine Mooney
July 25, 2008
Neil had such a great personality and was always fun to be around. My deepest sympathies to Chris and Alex and all of Neil's family. I know he's in a better place. We just miss him.
Judy Klimko
July 25, 2008
Dear Chris & Family,
My heart goes out to you & your family at such a difficult time. Please know that your friends at Delta College are here for you.
Judy Klimko
Melody Schwarz
July 25, 2008
What a good life and many laughs growing up together. I will miss our conversations. Your loving cousin Melody
Gary & Sandy Belknap
July 24, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to Chris & Alex and Neil Jr. and his family. We both enjoyed getting to know Neil through our Nishizaki family reunions. We will miss him. Love to Chris and Alex.
Heather from BHC
July 24, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Dan & Sharon O'Donnell
July 24, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Neil Jr., Alex, and their families. You are in our prayers. We especially remember him at Neil and Sarah's wedding wearing his 49ers vest and looking pretty spiffy I might add, having a wonderful time, and seeing the pride on his face with his two sons, Neil, the groom, and Alex, the ring bearer. His spirit lives on through his children. Our love and sympathy.
Sarah MacDannald
July 24, 2008
I love you and miss you! I know you will be with us forever.
Kaylee and Kaden
July 24, 2008
You will always live in our hearts and prayers. We love you grandpa!
Janet Bates
July 24, 2008
I miss you so much, my beloved baby brother
Neil MacDannald, Jr.
July 24, 2008
You will always be my best friend and hero. Love, Jr.
Edna Takahashi
July 24, 2008
Neil was always kind when we crossed paths. Though I was not as close to him, through Chris, I was able to see the loving man he was. He was a wonderful father too. Chris, Alex, and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Alex
July 23, 2008
I hope your with grandpa. I miss you dad.
Chris
July 23, 2008
I miss you, Neil. Love Chris
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