28 Aug Neil J. Lish
June 12, 1937 – August 04, 2025
On the afternoon of August 4, 2025, Neil J. Lish peacefully passed away at his home in North Salt Lake, surrounded by the care of his loving and devoted family. He was born June 12, 1937, in Brigham City, Utah to Horace A. Lish and Nellie Blanche King. Neil grew up in Deweyville, Utah, learning life values of hard work early by working on the family farm alongside his father. “In grade school, we had grades from 1 through 8 in a three-room school with a kitchen. We had to clear weeds from the baseball field each spring to play ball. Our ball team was called the Deweyville Devils. We almost always took first place in baseball as we traveled as far south as Layton for tournaments.” In school, he played baseball, football, and sang in the choir; he excelled all through school. In high school, he was elected Senior Class President at Bear River High. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army. Basic training was at Fort Ord, California, then on to Fort Gordon, Georgia, for classified signal training. He was then sent to the 5th Army Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. “While at 5th Army Headquarters, each department had a ball team. We played for half a year, then an All-Star team was selected to represent the 5th Army, and I was selected as catcher. This was a dream come true because my mother’s half-brother was drafted as a catcher by the Brooklyn Dodgers. The rest of the season we traveled around playing in tournaments. Once we got to play a semi-pro team, we lost.” When not playing baseball, he was sending and receiving classified messages.
On completion of his army mission, Neil chose another two-year mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was assigned to the Southern States mission. Upon completing his honorable mission release, he returned to Deweyville, where his friends surprised him with a homecoming and birthday party at his home. That day, June 12th, he met his future wife, Cherie Lindsay and in November 1962, they were married for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple.
After moving to Ogden, He transferred from Utah State University to Weber State College, graduating with a marketing and economics degree. While at Weber, he was elected Senior Class Senator.
Various marketing and management jobs led him to Minnesota, Colorado, and back home to Utah. Neil purchased land high on a hill in Centerville, Utah where Neil and Cherie built their home and raised their family. He was employed with Western Airlines, which merged with Delta Airlines, and was a successful fit for Neil. He thrived with Delta in various jobs based in Salt Lake International and JFK International, NYC, as a flight attendant and experienced the 9/11 attack in flight as it was happening.
After 48 years in their beautiful home and with the failing health diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease to his beloved wife, Cherie, the decision was made to sell their home. Throughout Cherie’s disease, Neil valiantly and lovingly nurtured and attended to her every need until her passing in 2018. After moving to North Salt Lake, he was given a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with no known cure in which he struggled with until his passing.
Neil is survived by their three children: daughter Juli Lyn Lish, North Salt Lake; daughter Jennifer Lish Thornley, West Bountiful; and son Todd Lish (Teresa), Humbolt, Tennessee. Seven grandchildren: Spencer Lish (Tessa), Avery Thornley, Ellie Thornley (Heston) Helquist, Tate Thornley, and Charlie Thornley. Jacquelyn Gary Lay, David Gary (Ashley). Four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Neil was preceded in death by his father, Horace A. Lish (Bus); mother, Nellie Blanche King Lish; brother, Allen Lish; and sisters, Mary Ellen Lish and Ann Lish Bennett (Val Dee) Nausbaum (Jim).
Neil loved his family, and he loved the Lord as a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Mathew 25:23.
We thank all our extended family members, friends, and Inspiration Hospice for their cherished and gentle care.
A Memorial Celebration of Neil’s life will take place at the Rolling Hills Ward. 210 E 1825 N. Centerville, Utah on September 6th from 6-8 pm.
“Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth!!!”
[dflip id=”16050″][/dflip]
Dale R BlackhamSD
Posted at 09:42h, 30 AugustSoory to see the passing of Neil we spent many days togeather growing up in Deweyville, swiming at Cystal Springs, riding our bikes from one end of town to the other, fishing on the Bear River, and hunting ducks and pheasants , in the winter sleigh riding and attending school together in Deweyville and at Bear River High., spending many nights at each others home in sleep overs and playing with him and his sister Ann. We even worked together stacking pea vines for the farmers during their harvest, that was a very smelly job but we survived.
Marjean Pahl
Posted at 12:10h, 31 AugustI am saddened to read of Neil’s passing
We spent many fun years working together with Delta. We graduated in same flight attd class. * based in NYC & SLC. NEIL was a fun & sweet spirited gentleman.
Prayers to his family, may God bless you all.
Marjean Pahl
Weber State University Alumni Association
Posted at 11:34h, 23 SeptemberDear Lish Family,
Our office noted with sadness the passing of your loved one, Neil, and we wish to send our condolences and sincere sympathy to you and your family at this time of bereavement. As a member of Weber State University’s extended family, friends and associates will miss him.
While we realize a condolence letter cannot lessen your sense of loss, we want to let you know that his achievements and contributions were appreciated at Weber State University.
Sincerely,
Nancy B. Collinwood
Executive Director of Alumni Relations