Obituary of Donald L. McNeeley

Donald L. McNeeley former peninsula resident Donald L. McNeeley died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009, in Seattle. He was 69. A family visitation was held Thursday, Oct. 1 at Curnow Funeral Home in Sumner, Wash. Mr. McNeeley was born in Seattle, on Sept. 26, 1939, to Cecil M. McNeeley of Emunclaw, Wash., and Anne F. Remshe of Puyallup, Wash. He graduated school in 1960 in Puyallup. He worked for many small contractors on the Kenai Peninsula in the last 25 years, Northern Oil Operations, ArcTech Services, Captain Cook Construction, 2 Bears Trucking and others. "To all he was a valued employee, a topnotch equipment operator, a safe and steady truckdriver. Thanks to Don's many hours of work during a major snowfalls, borough residents awoke to find our roads plowed and passable," said Kathryn Thomas. "Don was a true professional at his trade and a sterling individual in his personal life. For many years Don drove the team bus for the Peninsula Oilers, enjoying the commadarie of the young players." In 2007, Don led his friends, John Krause, Ken Losser, and Tim Irwin on a road trip from Alaska to South Dakota to join the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. "On this trip he revealed the inner, laid back, easy-rider, old hippie side of his personality to the delight of his friends, making it a memorable trip for all," said Kathryn Thomas. Mr. McNeeley was preceded in death by his father; brother, David Lynn McNeeley; and stepfather, Orel C. Thorsett. He is survived by mother; son, Christopher Day, and his children, Christine and Michael; daughter, Jeadon Barnella, her four children; stepbrother, Grant Thorsett, of Salem, Ore.; aunt, Jo Long; cousin, Betty Jean Wendt; and nephew, Larry McGoff. Condolences may be sent to Anne F. Thorsett, 1431 Vista Dr. SE; Puyallup, WA 98372-5102. Arrangements were made by Curnow Funeral Home.