Dr. Byarn Lee Neil
Dr. Byarn Lee Neil passed from this world on Monday, June 28, 2010, due to ongoing health complications. He was 65.
Dr. Neil was nicknamed “Peach” by his mother Sylvia at an early age and would later be known by the name” Doc Neil” later in his life.
He leaves behind his wife, Christina Neil; his six children, Ryan Neil, Deserie Smith, Samuel James, Byarn Neil Jr., Shelley Jenkins and John Neil (predeceased); and his 10 grandchildren, Preston Bliss, Jessica Phillips, Malachi Smith, Katelyn Sego, Gabriel Bliss, Jamie Smith, Genesis Jenkins, Maxence James, Uriah Jenkins and Matthiaus Jenkins.
Born on Oct. 20, 1944, to Anthony and Sylvia Neil in Lewiston, Idaho. He was the younger brother of Lyle Neil (predeceased).
He lived most of his life in Priest River, Idaho and consequently became an avid water skier and snow skier.
The love of his life was music and from a very young age was considered to be a prodigy.
He was known for his vocal likeness to Elvis Presley and Marty Robins and touched countless people with his music. The names of some of his bands were, The Playboys, The Wanderers, Peach and the Pits, Sundance and The Doc Neil Band.
He worked with such famous musicians as: Suzie Arden, David Frizzell, Little Jimmy Dickens, Jack Green, Candy Martin, Ferlin Husky, Tex Williams, Sheb Wooley and many, many more.
He was also known for being more popular than Paul Revere and the Raiders!
As one of his musical colleagues said, “His loss has ripped a void into the music industry that cannot be filled.”
Dr. Neil had a great love for people and found great worth in improving his patient’s health through chiropractic and nutrition.
He was a graduate of Palmer College in Iowa and operated successful practices in Newport, Spokane, and Centrailia, Wash.
Dr. Neil was instrumental in helping his colleague, John Kitkowski (predeceased), develop and grow Life Balances, Inc. in Spokane. He had to retire early from chiropractic due to his growing heart problems.
Byarn’s greatest legacy was his family. As a father he taught his children good morals, character, integrity and loved them with all of his heart. Whenever his children were around he always let them know that he loved them. He was a loving and faithful husband who did everything he could to nuture and provide for his wife and family. His unique humor and love will always be remembered.
Dr. Neil’s funeral services will be on July 9th, 2010 at 3pm and will be held at: The American Lutheran Church, located at 332801 HWY 2 in Newport. Following will be the graveside services at the Priest River Cemetery.
Memorial donations are being gratefully accepted and should be sent to P.O. Box 1266, Newport, Wash., 99156. Please send all correspondence to this address as well. The Neil family would like to thank everyone in advance for your gift of love in memory of Dr. Byarn Neil.
“If you could measure the greatness of a man by the number of lives he’s touched, Dr. Byarn Neil was one of the greatest”.
“A leader among leaders … A capturer of hearts … A talent beyond comprehension … A bright light in the dark …”
Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Newport is in charge of arrangements.
Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com.