Harry Edwin Neeley               August 8, 1934 - August 22, 2021

 

Born to Tom and Alice Neeley in Sioux Falls on August 8, 1934, Harry married his high school sweetheart, Val Rae Hill, and together raised three amazing children – David, Robin and Erin.  To have known Harry was to have had a man in your life of deepest commitment to his family, his friends, his faith and vocations.  He led a life of exemplary leadership and service, from obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout in High School to the fifty-plus years spent as an ordained Episcopal priest – serving parishes in Wyoming, California, Nevada and Montana.

 

He touched the lives of many, not directing but rather walking with them while they allowed themselves to be changed.  God gave Harry a chainsaw as a sacred tool of ministry.  As the founder of the Dillon and Sheridan Wood Banks, he discovered one of his greatest joys – winter warmth for hundreds of families in Beaverhead and Madison counties.  He never saw a dead tree that he didn’t want to put to good use for those in need.  He truly had a servant’s heart and modeled the dignity and honor of real work, the commitment to be there for each other and the satisfaction of unstinted generosity.

 

His big heart has finally worn down, but he leaves a priceless legacy to his family and friends of unwavering dedication, integrity, and service to others that we are exceedingly proud of.  He leaves behind his wife Val of 67 years, son David (Pam), daughter Robin (Greg Winden) and daughter Erin (Nolan Lake).  Harry’s pride and joy were his wife, children, 6 grandchildren (Sam, Maggie, Kyle, Jamie, Shelby and Travis) and 9 great grandchildren (Fallen, Evalyn, Connor, Cole, Kolby, Kyndall, Mateo, Oliver and Lauren).

 

A memorial service for Harry will be held outdoors at Christ Episcopal Church in Sheridan, Montana on Saturday, September 4 at 2:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial gifts to be sent to:

 

            American Indian College Fund                       Beaverhead Community Wood Bank

            8333 Greenwood Blvd. #120                          PO Box 1414

            Denver, CO  80221                                        Dillon, MT 59725

 

            Christ Episcopal Church                  OR       Charity of Your Choice

            (Window Fund)

            PO Box 152

            Sheridan, MT 59749