Obituary of Michael Neal

Michael Ellsworth Neal was called home on January 31, 2018 after a brief illness. Michael "Mick" was born in Centralia, Washington on March 29, 1949 to Ellsworth "Bud" and Helen Neal. Mick lived in Lakewood, California with his parents and sister Patricia "Trish" until he enlisted in the Navy in 1969. He served in Vietnam on the USS Constellation as a jet mechanic on Fighter Squadron Ninety-two. He moved to Santa Cruz in the late seventies and met his wife Debbie in 1981, introduced by his sister Trish, and they were married in 1983. Mick worked for 30 years as a Reinforcing Ironworker out of Local 377 in San Francisco. Mick and Debbie lived in Scotts Valley until 1987 when they moved to Bonny Doon. Shortly after moving to Bonny Doon Mick became a volunteer fireman on the Bonny Doon Fire team where he served the community for several years. He had also been a member of the Bonny Doon Jeep club, Scotts Valley Sportsman Association and attended the Bonny Doon Presbyterian Church. Mick was an extremely hard worker, he loved working on projects around his home, shooting his guns, working in his garden and yard and was an avid cat lover. He was a special humble great man, friend to many and appreciated for his willingness to help a friend and neighbor in need; for his positive attitude and ability to tell stories with his quick wit and great sense of humor. He is survived by his wife Debbie, sons Mike (Katie) and Cristian, five granddaughters (Eve, Taylor, Charlee, Kelsey and Courtney) and his sister Patricia (Trish) Hays (Don). He will be forever loved and surely missed. Gone but never forgotten. Friends and family are invited to join us at the memorial and celebration of his life to be held on Saturday, October 13th at Santa Cruz Memorial- Oakwood Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Rd. at 10:30 a.m. A reception will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local SPCA or St. Jude Children's Hospital.