William Stephens “Bill” Neer died July 20, 2017.

He was born Feb. 29, 1940, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Noel and Vaudis Neer of Kimberly, Idaho. He graduated in 1958 from Kimberly High School where he was a member of FFA, played first trumpet and went with the debate team to the state championship. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and had four years of service as a corpsman. He graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelors of science degree in psychology and in 1970 moved to Oregon, where he was employed by Oregon Parole and Probation in Eugene and volunteered with the fire department. He retired after 25 years to enjoy raising cattle in the Mohawk Valley, fishing, hunting, raising hunting dogs and especially being with his family. In 2004 he moved to Camano Island, Washington, with his wife, Gayle, and in 2014 they relocated to Buckley.

He is survived by his wife Gayle; children Cathy (Mac), Karen, Rob (Leslie), Scott (Rana), Stephanie and Matt; 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Remembrances can be made to Ducks Unlimited, Buckley Fire Department, American Red Cross, Shiners Hospital, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

A celebration of his life will take place at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at Rob’s Farm, 47926 284th St. S.E., Enumclaw, 98022.