Malcolm F McNeil

Born 13th of June in the year 1936 on the gulf in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was the beloved son of Felix and Eva McNeil and brother of Linda Cunningham (Tom) and Steven McNeil (Susan). He was raised in San Diego graduating from St. Augustine in 1954. Graduating from the Cal Maritime Academy in 1957 he embarked on a wonderful adventure in the Merchant Marines. He continued with his love of the sea with Naval Reserves retiring as a Commander in 1981.

He was the loving and devoted husband of Sally McNeil for 59 years. A most loving man, he was father to 3 awesome children: Gail (Kurt) of Oklahoma, David of Arizona, and Nancy who resides in Idaho. He had 3 beautiful grandchildren who he enjoyed following and tracking their growth and adventures, Victoria (Tori), Katherine (Katie), Julianna (Juju).

He was an engineer and loved designing home projects and upgrades in every home they lived in. He also enjoyed golfing, camping, the ocean and was a voracious lifelong learner. He was a funny man with a quick wit and many jokes. The only problem was that if you heard a joke once you heard it 50 times.

After retiring from SBRC (Raytheon) in Santa Barbara, CA as Director of Information Technology, he picked up Sally in the RV and together they traveled the country and beyond in their beloved rolling mansion. When the road trip ended due to health and age, they pulled up the awning and settled in Green Valley, AZ. There they were part of an extensive group of former co-workers and friends who heard his many retold stories and jokes.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the care providers at Arroyo Gardens and Remita Hospice who worked tirelessly to ensure he passed over with peace and dignity. We could not have walked through this without you.

A private service followed by a Celebration of Life party will be held June 21st.

Godspeed Daddy, you are loved.

“Twilight and the ringing bell

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell

When I embark

For though we are bourne from time and place

The flood may bear me far

I hope to see my Pilot’s face

When I have crossed the bar.”