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Neil Crawford Deyo

1947 - 2016

BORN

1947

DIED

2016

Neil Deyo Obituary

With great sadness, his family announces that Neil Crawford Deyo, age 69, passed away on December 17, 2016 after a battle with cancer complicated by congestive heart failure. From his birth in Tacoma, Washington in 1947 to his death, he nourished people around him with his wisdom, humor, kindness, and zest for life. Neil was born to Grant and Maxine Deyo, was the youngest of three children and the only boy in the family. By the age of four he was fishing with his dad in The Puget Sound and was an outdoorsman par excellence throughout his life. A Eugene resident since the age of ten, Neil was graduated from Eugene High School in 1966. He was a carpenter by trade and refurbished older homes. Neil truly lived life to the fullest by visiting with family and friends, fishing, camping, hiking, freezing and drying food and playing his guitar.

Neil is survived by his wife, Arlene Deyo, whom he married in 1996; mother, Maxine Deyo; sisters: Susan Carlile and Darlene Deyo; niece, Paulette Campbell, and grand-nieces and nephews: Gavin, Paige and Lily.

A celebration of life will be held in the winter of 2016.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Eugene Register-Guard on Jan. 1, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Neil Deyo

13 Entries

Larry Larson

January 13, 2017

Very sad that Neil is no longer with us (at least in the physical sense). On the plus side he left us all with some great memories. Who could forget his easy going manner, his great smile and infectious laugh, his ability to brighten the mood of any room he walked into. There were so many things to like about him, I especially liked his wonderful sense of humor which was never hurtful or even sarcastic. What struck me most about him is how he liked to laugh with people, not at them.

I know he wouldn't want any of us to mourn him for very long. Instead, he would want us to begin living the rest of our lives with optimism, kindness, and respect for those around us.

Thanks for the memories, Neil, we're all very fortunate to have known you.

JOHN JENNINGS

January 12, 2017

HAVE KNOWN NEIL FOR OVER 40 YEARS I WILL MISS HIM,AS A FORMER ROOM MATE AND FRIEND.I ALWAYS ADMIRED THE WAY HE LIVED HIS LIFE.HE LIVED HIS LIFE HIS WAY AND ENJOYED HIS PASSIONS. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY

Kat Griffin

January 8, 2017

I so enjoyed meeting up with Neil while walking in the park. He was a special, wonderful person who always had wise words to share. He will be missed. I feel lucky to have spent time in his company and will think of him when I walking by the river. Hugs to you, Arlene, and my best to your family.

Carole Findlay

January 6, 2017

I was glad to see Neil at our recent reunion. And I was so saddened to learn of his passing. I have fond memories of Neil when we were teenagers and friends. I remember his laugh and fun loving nature most. And in my mind I still see his smile at the reunion. I hope he is now with friends and family already passed on. And I hope for peace for family and friends still here, and In time joy in remembering. Onward to your next adventure Neil ! And Love.

Rod Leland

January 5, 2017

I will always remember Neil as someone who had a smile on his face. He had a gentle spirit that affected those around him. I am so glad I was able to talk to him at our 50th class reunion. What a great experience it was for me. He even showed me his bike that he road from his house to Roaring Rapids Pizza. Happy trails to you, my friend. My sincere condolences to the family. Rod Leland

Claudia Person

January 4, 2017

It was so nice seeing Neil this summer in Oregon at our 50th reunion. Such a soft spoken happy man. I shall always remember him riding away from Roaring Rapids on his bike. A gentle soul that will be missed by many. Take good care of yourselves. Sending lots of love to all of you. Claudia Person

Richard Platte

January 3, 2017

Neil was one of my closest friends. I met Neil when we played on a baseball team Herb Person (Claudia's dad) coached the summer before the eighth grade at Kelly Jr. High. So many fun times through the years. Neil was the happiest person I've ever met, and I admired him, and tried to emulate his beautiful way of looking at life. What I will cherish most is the laughter--there was never a time together without something said that made us laugh so hard we were nearly in tears. Even the songs we'd play during our weekly guitar-playing get-togethers would include something to laugh about, playing songs like "Last Kiss," doo wop, John Prine and Jimmy Buffett songs, etc. He was also one of the most generous and compassionate people I've ever met--he tried to fix anything that needed repair, including me. "May the road rise to meet you ..." my friend.

claude white

January 3, 2017

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Jim Powell

January 2, 2017

For nearly 25 years, I've had the good fortune to know Neil Deyo, a friend and neighbor who brightened my days with his quick smile, his enthusiasm. and his generosity. Somehow Neil's battle with cancer didn't prevent him from enjoying life. I often found him on the riverbank trail riding his bicycle or walking his dog, Jimmy. He was also fond of fishing, and was happy to share his good luck with his neighbors.

Neil could also fix anything and was an angel to people like me who hardly know which end of a screwdriver to hold onto. Only rarely was I able to get him to accept any payment for his help.

If there is a heaven, Neil will be there -- probably fixing something or spreading good cheer. He will be greatly missed.

Bob Pedersen

January 2, 2017

Darlene, Susan, your Mother and extended family;
It saddened me to hear of Neil's passing. I remember him with a smile and how he lit up the room with his energy and enthusiasm for life. He was such a good soul. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Neil visiting us volunteers at Rasor Park

Becky Riley

January 1, 2017

I am so saddened to learn of Neil's passing! In the past couple years, he frequently stopped by to chat as I worked at Rasor Park along the Greenway. He was so friendly and helpful, with his offers of tools and sharpening services, etc. It was always a pleasant interlude and morale boost when he and "Ding Dong" came along...and I enjoyed his many stories about swimming, boating, harvesting wild food, etc. along the Willamette and around the Northwest. Indeed, I could see that he lived life to its fullest, and also set a fine example of how we might treat each other and view the world (with kindness and generosity). My condolences to his family. He was a special man, and we were all enriched by his presence and example.

Andrea Bray

January 1, 2017

Neil was an amazing man. He always had a smile on his face and a caring heart. Some of my earliest memories were of he and my dad, Rich Bray, fishing with Neil's dog, Doogan. My heart goes out to Neil's family.

Kae (Rickard) Baker

January 1, 2017

Darlene - I am so very sorry to learn of your Brother's passing. I share your sadness. I hope memories will give you and your family comfort at this time and going forward.

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