Neil Dennis McQuage

Neil McQuage

1939 - 2026

Neil McQuage, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, in Covington, Washington. He was 86 years old. Born in Gary, Indiana, to James and Winifred McQuage, his family later relocated to Walterboro, South Carolina, where he met his high school sweetheart, Barbara. He and Barbara married in 1960, raised five children and shared 65 years together before Barbara’s passing in 2025.

Neil was a military veteran having served 20 years with distinction in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Major. During his military career, Neil earned two master’s degrees, one in Meteorology and another in Computer Science. Hismilitary assignments took the family to: Georgia, Florida, Maryland, Utah, Ohio, Hawaii and Massachusetts. He also served a solo tour in Alaska.

Following his military service, Neil began a career as a Computer Engineer at Boeing, which brought his family to Kent, Washington. He retired from Boeing in 1995 and subsequently moved to Bonney Lake, Washington, where he pursued wood carving, winning first place for his rendition of the Green Man. Neil was also a talented artist and musician. He played the trumpet in high school, taking first in the state. Alongside Barbara on piano, they delighted family members with performances of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing."

Faith was a cornerstone of Neil’s life. Through his studies of religion and spirituality he became an ordained minister. He and Barbara were devoted members of the Methodist church in Bonney Lake. Neil is preceded in death by his wife Barbara, sister Nancy Baggett, sons Todd and Scott McQuage, and grandson Joshua Reardon. He is survived by his three daughters, Susan Viseth, Vivienne Kamphaus, and Donie Falzone, along with eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held by his family.

May he rest in eternal peace.