Edward Neil Van Horn

NEIL VAN HORN,72, passed away on December 28, 2020 in Vancouver WA. He was born in Albany OR on January 27, 1948 to Floyd and Gertrude Van Horn. He joined His older brother Gary, and a few years later, sister Roberta, completed the family. The family moved often, following Floyd's work. They lived in Sweet Home OR, Port Angeles WA, Tacoma WA ,Portland OR, Grants Pass OR and Albany, OR. Roberta, Gary and Neil were their own best friends. Neil graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1966. While in school. Neil also worked at the local mill which his father managed. Neil also completed a year of college. In 1967 Neil enlisted in the US Army and fought in Viet Nam in the 6th BN of the 31st Infantry. He was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of Sergeant. In 1968 Neil married Marci Ponzoha, the mother of his children. They later divorced In 1970, Neil's son, Dominic, was born and in 1973, his daughter Kristin was born. He loved his children fiercely. In 1969 Neil joined the Portland Police Bureau where he developed his strong dedication to the investigation of Drug Cases. Neil served on a DEA task force. In 1977 Neil was hired by the Drug Enforcement Administration and remained in Portland for several years until he was hired by the US Customs Service where he retired in 2002. During this time he served on the ROCN task force.All the while, in each agency, he continued his drug investigations. In 1996 Neil and Marilyn Nicholson Ley were married in the home they remodeled for 20 years. This was a labor of love for them. Neil was a skilled craftsman and woodworker. Together Neil and Marilyn remodeled several homes and built two more. One, a cabin at Fishhawk Lake. They built their dream home in Woodland WA in 2008. Neil finally had property and a huge shop to house his collector cars and motor home. Neil and Marilyn toured the US each year from about 1990 in the motor home to vacation and research genealogy. Neil loved his dogs and took them with him. Neil was also an outdoorsman, be it fishing, hunting or relaxing in the sun and water of Mexico. He would try anything or go anywhere. Neil developed so many friends in all of these facets of his life. He was liked by all. He was a good, generous man. He was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Gertrude Van Horn Surviving Neil are his wife Marilyn Van Horn,daughter Kristin Van Horn, son Dominic Van Horn (spouse Rachel), brother Gary Van Horn, sister Roberta Roche (spouse Jerry). Five grandchildren: Chloe and Ian Rienecker and Abigail, Jonas and Wyatt Van Horn. Also several nieces and nephews. Family services will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver. Neil will be buried with military honors beside his parents. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any Humane Society or the Alzheimer's Association

Edward Neil Van Horn

January 27, 1948 - December 28, 2020