David J. McNeir, self-styled comedian, prankster and 41-year resident of Federal Way, died on Christmas Day, 2007. David was born December 1921 in Baltimore, MD. He followed a military/aerospace industries' career with assignments across the United States until his retirement

in 1988 from Bremerton Naval Shipyards.

David's goofy one liners, magic tricks, comedic ruminations and gruff faux-exterior will be missed by his children and immediate family: Albert McNeir, Juliana Hale (Donald) and Emily Hill Ehrlich (Barry); as well as his grandchildren, David Hill (Gina Speer), Amy Hale and Rick Hale; great-grandson Noah Hill; and son-in-law, William J. Hill.

David's family thanks Rubin and Doreen Bonilla, Beatrice, Belinda, Sarah and the staff of Courtly Manor [Des Moines] for caring for David as their own; and acknowledges his loyal friends, Dominic and Flo of Milton; Irene W. of Renton; Rita and Jim of Federal Way, Genevieve of Federal Way; the local members of AARP as well as the staff at Federal Way's Marie Callender's for adding joy to David's life with their many kindnesses.

David's wife of 54 years, Doris Seaman McNeir, preceded him in 2001. Doris was born in Peebles, Ohio in 1925. She enjoyed the life of an activist, traveler, sailor and David's muse. Doris retired from the University of Washington in 1989. David had missed Doris' impulsive nature, brainstorms, cross word puzzle marathons, political indignations, community campaigns and giggle fests every day since her death. In her letters, Doris has asked to be remembered by the last stanza of the poem, Thanatopsis, by Bryant.

Services at 10AM Saturday, January 12, 2008 at St. Philomena's Catholic Church, 1815 So. 220th Street, Des Moines, Washington 98198.