Neal Del Barber, 63

Polson — Neal Del Barber, age 63, passed away at the family home in Yellow Bay Montana on July 5, 2023. He was born in Whitefish, Montana to Dale and MaDonna (Stinger) Barber on Nov. 11, 1959.

Growing up in Whitefish he was known affectionately as “Schnarbs”. When he laughed, his eyes would turn to half-moons, and his dimples would highlight his contagious smile. His chuckles were boisterous and wholehearted, usually accompanied by a knee slap. If you saw him in his Chevelle, the Judge, his trusted “the Chevy” truck, or around a campfire, his brother Earl Patton was usually on the adventure.

After high school Neal worked railroad, did some logging and tended bar at Casey’s. Many will recall his prowess as an arm wrestler and storyteller. In 1982 he married his high school sweetheart, Debra Olson and shortly came his daughters DeNeal in 1983 and Dacey in 1984. With a little help from his father-in-law, he opened a tire and muffler shop in Whitefish. Eventually finding his way to Oregon for work and a fresh start. He joined the union and became the premier Tack Truck operator in the region. He met and married his second wife, Jamie Fogle and made their home in Oregon till he retired. He loved it when his girls would visit (often by train) and did his best to show them his love with trips to the ocean, zoo, waterfalls or just watching an old western movie in the rain. His annual hunts for moose with his dad and Uncle Barry were a long tradition.

Neal retired in 2016 and returned to Montana. His love for fishing and hunting adventures was lifelong. We will miss the retelling of those stories, his heartwarming laugh and of course those dimples.

Neal is survived by his wife Jamie; daughters, DeNeal (Todd) Fann, Dacey (Jake) Williams; grandchildren, Hunter and Hallie Fann, Noxyn, Seeley and Essie Williams; stepdaughters Nikki Gates-Harrington and Ashley Johnson; grandson Lincoln; and brothers, Kevin (Eve) Barber and Ron (Amanda) Barber.

A Celebration of Life will be held in September. Thank you to The Lake Funeral Home for caring for Neal and his family. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.