David Donald Neil, aka King Rat, aka Rat Man, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on June 6, 2024 in Loveland, CO, his home since 1997.
Dave was born December 17, 1949, in Grand Forks, ND. He grew up on the Neil Farm in East Grand Forks, MN. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School, where he served as a role model student for his younger brothers and was highly regarded by the nuns. He later attended Marquette University, Assumption Abbey, and University of North Dakota.
Dave was a devoted husband to his loving wife of 25 years, Liz Neil. The two enjoyed riding their Harleys on countless cross-country adventures with friends who became family. The love they shared was evident to all around them.
Dave had a creative and entrepreneurial spirit and worked for many years in healthcare and retired as a respiratory therapist with the VA. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, riding motorcycle, learning, sci-fi, traveling, and spending cherished time with loved ones.
Dave will forever be remembered for his big humor, intelligence, gentle giant nature, fun-loving free spirit, ability to listen, his eloquent words and his welcoming nature that made everyone feel cared for and valued.
He was the proud founder and president of the Bull Run, an annual celebration of motorcycle riders that included the most well respected misfits this side of the Atlantic.
Dave will be greatly missed by his family, including his siblings Duane (Jason) Neil (New York, NY), Jerry (Colly) Neil (East Grand Forks, MN), Larry (Kathy) Neil (Grand Forks, ND) and Kathy (Bill) Palmer (Marshall, MN) and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
Dave loved his kids big and include Jenni Dunkin (Ada, MN), Sara Neil Renney (Chanhassen, MN), Nate (Laurie) Neil (St. Michael, MN), Amanda (Mandi) (Chad) Davison (Fergus Falls, MN), Lisa (Travis) Holden (Thief River Falls, MN) and Stephen Wigand (Thief River Falls, MN) and adored his many beautiful grandchildren.
Dave is preceded in death by two sons, David and Danny, his sister, Patsy Montana, and parents, Donald and Steffie.
A gathering is planned for July 20, 2024 at the Foxtail Lounge (44261 120th St SW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721) at 1-4 p.m. to celebrate Dave’s incredible life.
The family would like to share our heartfelt gratitude to UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies.