Neil Edward Harrington's Obituary
Neil E. Harrington, of Warren, Oregon passed away on Saturday January 26, 2019 at the age of 87 years old. He died peacefully with his daughter by his side.
Neil was born on September 22, 1931 in Torrington, WY to Glen C. Harrington and Irma Iverson. As the eldest of six children he learned early on to work hard to support his family.
He served in the United States Air Force in the early 1950s and in 1953, while stationed near Worcester, U.K., he met the love of his life, Diana (nee Hallett) Harrington. They spent the next 62 years building a life full love together, until Diana’s passing in 2015.
Upon separating from the Air Force in 1955; Neil, Diana and their newborn son, Steven, moved back to the United States. They eventually settled in The Dalles, OR where Steven was joined by a brother Glenn and sister, Cyndi.
In 1967, Neil moved the family to Warren, OR to a little house on Bennet Rd and then to the house on Bachelor Flat where he lived until his passing. Neil was an avid welder, retiring from Boise Cascade in 1994 and served as the President of the local A.W.P.P.W chapter. Never one to ‘rest’ Neil spent his retirement welding the softball dugouts at Campbell park, tending to his large garden (especially the berries), making wine, entertaining his grandchildren and never missed a bowling league day.
Neil was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all and a man who would give his shirt to help a friend. He had quite the sensor of humor, some may even say he was a jokester. As he got older (and wiser) he’d often say ‘If you don’t have laughter, you don’t have life’.
Neil was a beloved father who took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them and loving Poppa who always had a spot on his armchair for his grandchildren, regardless of how much they grew.
He is preceded in death by parents, Irma Iverson, Glen C. and Mary Harrington; wife, Diana Harrington; his son, Glenn Harrington; brother, Robert Harrington; and sister, Edie Walker.
He is survived by his children Steven Harrington and Cyndi (Joe) Allen; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will be held, Saturday, February 9th, 2:00PM at Columbia Memorial Gardens 54490 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, OR 97056. Directly following the service, a celebration of Neil’s life will be held at St. Helens Elks Lodge 350 Belton Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051.
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