Brook Eugene Neff, 59

Brook Eugene Neff, 59, passed away on Feb. 21, 2020, in Lake Havasu, Ariz. Brook was born on Nov. 18, 1960, to Dan and Vickie Neff in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Brook spent his childhood traveling around the U.S. and different parts of the world with his dad’s job. They lived in Idaho, Arizona and Illinois, and even spent many years in Indonesia. Eventually, when Brook was in his teens, his parents bought and operated Carlin Bay Resort on Lake Coeur d’Alene. At the age of 18, he married his first wife, Jan, and within a couple years they welcomed children, Rachael and Brandon. Brook then worked for many years as a Union pipefitter, which took the family to a few different states.

In 1986, the Neff family bought Lake City Radiator and Auto Air Conditioning in Coeur d’Alene in order to keep the family close and all working together. In 1990, Brook married Donna and soon after had a son named Daytona.

For more than 30 years, Brook, his brother Todd and their parents ran Lake City Radiator, until Vickie and Dan’s passing. Over those years, many of the family members worked at the “shop,” learning essential skills that would be carried on into their own lives and careers. There was nothing like a family business and a meeting spot for “cold ones” to keep a family close. It was common that around closing time, the parking lot would fill up with friends on their way home from work to just stop in for a hello. It was the happy hour spot for so many for so many years.

In 2010 Brook married Sally Lively. His “Pretty Girl” as he called her. They lived happily ever after and Brook was truly his happiest. After selling the shop they were able to retire early and buy a second home in Lake Havasu, where they spent the last four winters. Brook loved the desert and always said he was made for the heat! Last year, he and Sally bought a boat to call home while in Idaho. He loved the summer heat and being on the lake. Some of his favorite things were fishing, Mopar, motorcycles and the Minnesota Vikings. He was living his best life! He was a truly good guy with a big heart.

Brook always had a nickname for everyone. He was a joker and outspoken guy who always made you laugh. He was the life of the party and had many, many friends over the years who became like family. He was humble and had compassion for those less fortunate. More than once he would buy a hamburger and milkshake for a homeless veteran.

Brook will be remembered for his presence, his smile, his nicknames, his jokes and poking fun, his hugs, his love for music, his skills in writing poetry and letters, his large personality, his pride, his wisdom, his leadership, his softness, his advice, his understanding and the way he would turn to mush when his grandbabies were around. He was known as the candy grandpa — always giving away candy because he said “he was already too sweet.” His quick wit and sense of humor will definitely be missed.

Brook is survived by his wife, Sally; his three children: Rachael (Darin) Shelley, Brandon (Alisha) Neff and Daytona (Diana) Neff; eight grandchildren: Parker, Lillian, Abigail, Taylor, Breckyn, Emerlyn, Addilyn and Easton; brother, Todd (Velva) Neff; nephews Benjamin and Tyler and niece, Ashleigh (Travis) Neff; as well as many cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by both parents.

A celebration of life will be held this summer.