Gary R. 'Sam' McNeill

7/29/1938 — 8/9/2016

Service Date: 8/20/2016
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Gary R. "Sam" McNeill died Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born July 29, 1938, in Denver, to James and Dorothy McNeill. He grew up in Nampa with his three brothers. After graduating from Nampa High, he graduated from the University of Idaho, working his summers as a smokejumper in Missoula, Mont. His life-long career was working for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

On July 10, 1965, he married Fran Steele in Challis, Idaho, and moved to Lewiston in 1968. Sam loved the outdoors and spent most of his time outside camping, hunting, fishing and gardening. Even in retirement, Sam continued to work on projects for Fish and Game. His passion became land management, especially of the Craig Mountain Area. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and official scorer for Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young.

Sam is survived by his wife, Fran, of Lewiston; son Steve (Terri) of Lewiston; daughter Stephanie (Terry) Flodin of Genesee; grandchildren Devin of Moscow, Danika Evans of Lewiston, and Kaylee, Ryle and Kirsten Flodin of Genesee; great-grandchild Destinie Evans; brothers Steve of Nampa and Dave (Mary Ann) of Nevada; in-laws Martha McNeill of Washington, and Randy Steele, Jo Steele and Jylene and Stan Davis of Salmon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Dorothy; brother Mike McNeill of Washington; brother-in-law Jack Steele of Salmon; and sister-in-law Brandy Steele of Salmon.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Craig Mountain Fund with the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

A service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, Lewiston. A covered-dish dinner will follow the service at the Ketch Pen at the Lewiston Roundup Grounds.

Service Information

Date & Time: Saturday, August 20, 4:00 PM
Location: Episcopal Church of the Nativity
731-8th Street
Lewiston, Idaho 83501

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Additional Details: A covered dish dinner will follow the Memorial Service at the Ketch Pen at the Lewiston Roundup Grounds.

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Condolences

Kelly(Scott) Bush and Beverly(Scott)Mattson

Your in our thoughts and prayers. There are a lot great memories that Mom has been reliving. My Dad and Uncle Sam are up in heaven having a grand party. He will live on in our hearts forever.

Kelly, Karla, Lance and Bev

Tuesday, August 23, 2016 11:46 AM

Jim & Chris Craig

Our hearts were so saddened to hear of Sam's passing. He was more than an inspiration to all of us who worked at F&G & a more genuine & honest & giving man cannot be found. He will be remembered by so many people whose lives he touched in so many ways. Blessings to you & your family.

Tuesday, August 16, 2016 8:32 AM