Neil Keith Schill

Neil Keith Schill, age 81, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away suddenly on April 17, 2024, after an irrecoverable stroke. Neil was born on September 22, 1942, to Hank and Ida Schill in Fargo, North Dakota. Shortly after Neil's birth, his family relocated to Vancouver, Washington, where he lived his entire life. When he graduated from Hudson Bay High School in 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army and served for three years at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1963 Neil met Sharon Rolfsnes at Burgerville. Smitten, he asked Sharon to go to the beach with him the following day to celebrate his 21st birthday with friends. They married the following year and had two daughters, Melinda and Valerie. On April 3, 2024, Neil and Sharon celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. After serving in the Army, Neil returned to Vancouver to work at Alcoa. In 1970, he began his career as a firefighter for the City of Portland. He had many meaningful years of service and camaraderie, particularly with his brothers at Engine 19. He was serving as a fire inspector when he retired in 1998. Once retired from the Portland Fire Department, Neil and Sharon pursued their love of travel. Over the course of twenty-five years, they were able to travel throughout the world and visit all seven continents. Neil and Sharon enjoyed traveling with friends and family while making lasting friendships with people they met along the way. Together they joined RV caravans venturing through Mexico, sailed in the Mediterranean, and cruised along the rivers in Europe. Some of Neil's favorite trips were to Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In 2000, Neil and Sharon bought Glenwood Tree Farm where he worked planting and caring for the trees until the time of his death. His favorite season on the farm was December, sharing in customers' annual traditions and taking pride in the beautiful trees he tended. Neil often expressed that he was blessed to have had two careers he deeply loved. Neil was an avid outdoorsman and throughout his life enjoyed fishing, clamming, crabbing, and hunting. Many days and weeks were spent on the river and at the coast, cherishing the time with family and friends, especially his brother Pomroy. Neil generously shared his catch, often hosting dinner parties with Sharon. Another favorite pastime of Neil's was watching televised sporting events, particularly the Seattle Seahawks and UW Huskies. While raising his girls, Neil traveled with his family, camping, exploring the PNW, and visiting extended family. He taught family members and friends how to water ski, creating many memories exploring different lakes and rivers. One of Neil's strongest traits was a willingness to share his time and skills with others -- helping move into a new home, providing a ride to the airport or medical appointment, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and much more. Over the years, he helped his daughters and their families with many home improvement projects; from installing a retaining wall to demolishing a kitchen, he was always willing to give of his time. Neil spent many vacations with his grandchildren, taking them on a Disney Cruise, to Washington DC, and on adventures in the RV. He prioritized attending band concerts, piano recitals, sporting events, Bible quizzes, birthday parties, and a host of other activities for his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Neil was predeceased by his parents and sister, Patty Rogers. He is survived by his wife Sharon; daughters, Melinda and Valerie; sons-in-law, Mike Teeny and Amrit Singh; grandchildren, Keyara, Brandon, Simrin, Chloe, and Kareena; and brother, Pomroy (Charlotte). Neil is also survived by a large extended family, including many beloved nieces and nephews. A celebration of Neil's life will be held on Friday, June 14, 1:00 pm at Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver. Neil's ashes will be spread in the Columbia River, one of his most cherished places. Quiet and unassuming, Neil was a faithful blood donor for five decades, with 296 donation visits, donating a total of 37 gallons of blood. Remembrances of Neil may be made by donating blood, volunteering at a blood drive, or through a donation to the American Red Cross.

Neil Keith Schill

September 22, 1942 - April 17, 2024