Richard Lynn McNeil

Richard Lynn McNeil, 44, of Fort Collins Colorado was welcomed home on September 28, 2014 into the loving arms of family and friends who have passed before him. Richard was born on December 19,1969 in Riverside California to William and Mary Ann McNeil. When he was one year old his family moved to Logan, Utah where he lived and attended school. At 15 years old he moved to Sandy, Utah where he attended Alta High School and Valley High School. He graduated from Valley High school in 1988, an achievement he was very proud of. Richard earned an Associate of Applied Science in Electronics at Front Range community College and several certificates. He worked for several years at Celestica. He spent the last 4 years working for New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins. He had a brilliant mind and could see things in a way that others could not. He worked hard and played hard. Richard loved the outdoors, and being outside gave him a sense of freedom that he could not experience any other way. He loved to ride his motorcycle. He would go to Sturgis and enjoy the friendships he made there and all the activities associated with the rally. He was an avid paraglider. Rich was always headed up to the mountain. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing darts with his friends. He was also a talented craftsman. He had the ability to take an old worn piece of furniture, see its potential and make it beautiful again. He was an accomplished, passionate musician from an early age and passed this gift on to others. He loved music and loved to attend concerts. Richard lived his life on his terms and faced his challenges with quiet dignity. Richard cared deeply for those in his life. He would do anything to help out others. He fought for those less fortunate, and against the injustices of this world with an unrelenting intensity. He was passionate about helping children. He often did motorcycle charity rides. Yearly he would help raise money for his nephews Autism Speaks team. Richard had many things to be proud but considered his greatest accomplishment to be his son Travis. Richard's greatest joy in life was his family and friends. He fiercely loved and cherished his nieces and nephews and they felt the same way about their Uncle Richie. He knew what each one was interested in, and helped them develop their passions. They each have tender memories of time spent with him. Those who truly knew Rich, knew what a loving, caring, compassionate, and loyal man he was. He would go to the ends of the earth to take care of his family. Richie, we will miss your infectious laugh and your unique personality. Our lives simply won't be the same without you here. He is survived by his son Travis Cross, his parents William and Mary Ann McNeil of Augusta, Georgia, his siblings Gary McNeil of Logan, Utah, Susan McNeil of Fort Collins, Colorado, Erin (Matt) Bengtzen of West Valley, Utah, Megan (Matt) Krenz of Augusta, Georgia and Jesse McNeil of Aurora, Colorado, and his lifelong friends Alyn Powers and Shelayne Cloward. He had 10 nephews and 3 nieces, all of whom absolutely adored him and will miss him greatly. A Memorial Service to honor his life will be held at New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden Street, Fort Collins, Colorado on Sunday October 5th, 2014 from 9-11 a.m.

Richard Lynn McNeil

December 19, 1969 - September 30, 2014