Neil R. Clukey, 75
Neil R. Clukey, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away Oct. 30, 2012, at the VA Hospital in Spokane, surrounded by family and friends.
He was born Jan. 27, 1937, in Spokane to George F. and Lily May (Fanshier) Clukey. He married the love of his life, LeAnn Gibson on Dec. 7, 1956.
He was in the Navy for nine years until he “jumped out of a perfectly good airplane” and was seriously injured, remaining in a wheelchair for 50 years until his death. Before his accident he received many awards for pistol shooting on the Navy team.
After his accident, he studied and became an architectural draftsman in Southern California. They later moved to Spokane where he opened RC Hobby in Spokane with business partner, Stan Harriman. Because of health issues, he sold that business and built intricate model planes. His work was meticulous in detail. During this time he was also actively in his boys lives as their Boy Scout leader. He loved attending hot rod and car shows, wheeling around in his distinctive black top hat, and building a few street rods of his own. His cars were his passion and he just doted on his one-off Chevy that won a few awards at shows.
He and LeAnn later became RVers and traveled the country for awhile until deciding to design and build a house and settle in Post Falls. He enjoyed having friends and family around him, opening their home for many church gatherings. (Remember the grilled steaks and chicken?) Neil was an impressive man who spoke his mind. He was open about his beliefs and was not afraid to let one know where he stood, so to speak. His sense of humor kept him and those around him uplifted.
He was preceded in death by father George (Ruth) Clukey; mother Lily (Chuck) Mcnulty; brother Doug and grandson Kyle Hutchings.
He is survived by brother Darrell (Sheryi) Clukey of Portland, Ore.; son Scott of Post Falls; Priscilla Miller; grandson Hunter Clukey; Teri (Don) Perry and granddaughter Sheri (Bat) Ballao; great-grandchildren, Thea, Ben and Kai; daughter Lizabeth (Richard) Moree of Missoula, Mont.; grandchildren, Melissa (Mark) Schlader of Lewiston; grandson Derek (Hanna) Moree of Huson, Mont., and great-grandchildren, Lily and Mannix Moree; grandson Brian Moree of Missoula and David Moree of Shelby, Mont., and great-granddaughter Chauntel Frakie of Missoula; son Darryl (Jana) Clukey of Porta Verde Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Alexis and Connor; son Cameron (Sharon) Clukey of Twin Lakes; grandchildren, Austin Alicia and Tyler Hart, Brendon, Courtney, Nicholas and Ethan Clukey of Canada; along with many friends.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1824 E. 16th Ave., Post Falls, with interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. 2834 N. Spokane St., Post Falls. with full military honors.
Spokane Cremation & Funeral Service has been entrusted with the final care of arrangements.