June 7, 1924 – September 15, 2018
Thomas Clinton Neal, age 94, died peacefully September 15th, 2018 in Port Townsend, Washington. He was a courageous, gentle man of good humor, always appreciative of life.
Tom was born June 7, 1924 in Keams Canyon, Arizona, the son of Lucas and Mary Helen Neal. He was the oldest of five children. His boyhood was spent at Tulalip Bay near Marysville, Washington and at Lapwai, Idaho. He served in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps during WWII and was stationed in India. Following war’s end he attended Portland University where he earned a BS in Industrial Administration.
On February 2, 1952 he married Dolores Mary Koch, in Marysville, WA. Beginning in 1954, he was employed by the Port of Port Angeles, first as auditor and then as general manager. He subsequently served as internal auditor for the Port of Port Townsend and later for Jefferson County PUD. Tom was a life member of Washington Public Ports Association. Other memberships included Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club of Port Townsend, American Legion, and BPOE.
Tom is survived by his wife Dolores and their eight children: Kathryn Jeannine Neal, David Edward Neal (Orawan), Matthew Jay Neal (Virginia), Janet Patricia Neal (Britt), Barbara Marie Neal Bodker (Lee), Paul Anthony Neal, Jeanne Therese Neal (Guy), and Carolyn Ann Neal Finsand. He is also survived by his sisters, Anne Raymond, Virginia Kohl, and Sarah Robischon, twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Tom was preceeded in death by his brother, Jerome Neal and his brothers-in-law, Harry (Bud) Kohl, Henry Raymond, and John Robischon.
The funeral will be held Saturday, October 6th at Saint Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Port Townsend with rosary at 11:30 am. followed by mass at noon and a reception immediately following. A wake following internment will be at 112 Fir Street, Port. Ludlow. Those wishing to donate in Tom’s honor could contribute to St. Labre Indian School, Ashland MT 59004, at www.stlabre.org
Though deeply grieved by his passing, we remember with gratitude and thanksgiving our joyful times together. He died midst love, music, and prayers.
