Donald H. Neff

On Thursday, August 1, 2019, Don Neff, loving husband, passed away at age 83 from congestive heart failure.

Don was born on February 27, 1936 in Chula Vista, CA to Edward and Rita (Kelly) Neff.  Don spent his formative years in Webster Groves, MO graduating from high school in 1954.  He graduated from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH in 1959 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Production Management.  On May 13, 1981, he married the love of his life, Barbara Wichman Prosser.

After completing ROTC in college, Don served in the Adjutant General’s Corps, U.S. Army.

Upon conclusion of his military service, he held positions in manufacturing firms in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana.  He moved to Seattle in 1971 to become Plant Manager for Alcoa Construction Systems.  In 1975, he joined MARCO as Manager of Manufacturing. and later going to Eldec Corporation of Lynnwood, WA where he retired after 17 years.

Don always looked forward to retirement and lived it to the fullest.  His interest in travel both within the states and Europe blossomed.  He was happiest with a map in one hand and a glass of wine in the other Over the years, he established a core group of travelers that toured Europe together.  He also loved meeting new people in his travels.  In order to spend months on the road, he devised an idea to have a fulltime house sitter who would manage his home while traveling.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Rita, and father, Edward, brothers: Edward, and Jerry.  He is survived by his wife, Barb, his daughter, Diana Neff and his stepdaughter Lorri Anderson (both from a previous marriage), sister Bonnie Kontaratos, Beverly Neff and nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his cherished house-sitters and their families:  Erin (Murray) Walker, Angela Taft Hunsinger, April Eagan, Allison Kudla and Lucy Fei.  And the special girls who called him Grandpa – Katie and Julia Crews.

We will remember him for his droll humor and zest for life.  He will be sorely missed