George David NEELY
December 8, 1915 - March 5, 2000
Obituary
Age 84, was born in Seattle, December 8, 1915 to George and Ella Neely, descendants of the pioneer Neely family of Auburn Valley, died March 5, 2000. George graduated from Cleveland High School in 1933, and married Edwinna Doyle on September 2, 1939. He was an exceptional baseball player, winning the Chapman Award for Fast-Pitch Baseball in 1949, and inducted into the Seattle Metro Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. He was also involved in Little League, coaching a State Championship team. George was a veteran of WWII, having served in Germany. After the war, he became owner/proprietor of the Gay Nineties Tavern in South Park, where he remained for 38 years until his retirement in 1981. He was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities with friends and family at his beloved Hood Canal property. George is survived by his wife of 61 years, Edwinna Neely; his sons George David Jr. Patricia, James Janet, Thomas Susan, and Donald Sarah; grandchildren Eric, Ryan, Todd, Scot, Amy, Aaron, Shaughnessey, James, and Michael, and great-granddaughters Kendra and Kassidy. The family suggests remembrances to the Alzheimer’s Association, 12721 30th Ave. NE #101, Seattle, WA 98125.
I feel so lucky that I was able to know and love George. He welcomed me with open arms into the family almost 9 years ago and every day from that point on, he made an impression on me. His incredible commitment to his family, his love for life and everything in it and his happiness was an inspiration to me and everyone that came in contact with him. George built a strong foundation for his 4 boys that has made them the men that they are today. And then there are the grandchildren – the apples of his eye. Never a visit passed without George offering our kids ice cream, no matter what time of the day. Our family has suffered an imaginable loss but overshadowing that pain are years of memories that are full of laughter, good times and immeasurable and unconditional love.
Goodbye Dad – I will always love you. You have made an incredible impact on my life and you may be gone but will never be forgotten.
We wish to extend sincere condolences to the entire family. Larry has wonderful memories of the many times he spent with George over the years, and he will cherish them always.
Dear Dave & Pat,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. My heart goes out to you during this sad occasion. I will be in touch soon.
Love, Lynn
This is my first family loss and it hurts more than I have ever expected. Once I had heard that my Grandfather had a heart attack I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I wish that I could have flown from Arizona before he passed to see him one last time. But I didn’t because he is the strongest man I have ever known. I believed in my heart that he was going to pull through, when I found out he didn’t I was crushed. This is a man that I wish to become. A hard working loving man that provided for everyone around him. I have two idols in my life, one is my father and the other is my Granpa.
The times at Dewatto Bay stand out the most. I would take some of my close friends to this magical place and they never wanted to leave. Then they met the man behind it all and they saw why this place is so magical. All my friends asked about him, and if we were going to the cabin for a weekend they would ask if he would be there. This is when I really started to realize how wonderful this human being was. He had more friends than anyone I have ever known. I hope one day I will be able to show my children the place that made my Granpa and his whole family so happy. This is a tragic loss for all. My Grandfather was a great man and I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. I will miss you Granpa.
We are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Gary & Darlene Moore
I am glad to have had the privilege, pleasure and opportunity to know a man as remarkable as George.
George shared much pride, admiration and love for Edwinna; and his boys and their families. His love for the outdoors; as well as his many friends and acquaintances’ was immeasurable.
I hope that the good times; and the many memories we all share and remember about George can build a bridge over the deep sorrows and pain we are feeling now.
I will miss you Hoo Hoo.
I have fond memories of working with George, Edwinna and family.
I wish more families were like yours..Bless you all-
gisselle-former Social Services Director for Harmony
Gardens
Our dads were great, weren’t they! I remember yours – many baseball memories! I hope your happy memories help you through the sadness.
Love, Sherry
Our thoughts are with you at this time.