Paul Gregory Neeve
December 28, 1936 - January 20, 2018
Dana Point CA
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Paul Gregory Neeve
December 28, 1936 - January 20, 2018
Dana Point CA
Obituary
Paul Neeve, 81, of Dana Point died peacefully in his home on Jan. 20, 2018 after a short bout with cancer, surrounded by his family. He was born to the late Elizabeth and Chester Neeve on Dec. 28, 1936 in Erie, PA. He attended the State University of New York in Buffalo where he met his wife, Judy. They relocated to California where he ultimately received his teaching credential at UCI. Subsequently, he enjoyed a 30-year career in the Capistrano Unified School District teaching Social Studies, Yearbook, and Photography.
His interest in photography was inspired by the famed Ansel Adams with whom he was privileged to spend time studying in his studio and dark room in Carmel. Paul, in turn, inspired that passion within hundreds of young students, some of whom have made photography a career.
He loved God, his family, his friends, the beach, the mountains and hiking. During summers, he would pile his sometimes-reluctant children into the back of his retrofitted VW Bus topped with a canoe for cross country treks. We are now grateful for those priceless experiences.
Paul is survived by his wife, Judy, and his children: Peter (Heidi) Neeve, David (Anastasia) Neeve, and Elizabeth (Robert) Evans, and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Ruth Earll of Erie, PA. To his family, he will always be our YMCA Member of the Month.
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, February 24th at 1 PM at South Shores Church: 32032 Del Obispo St., SJC with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make memorial contributions in memory of Paul to South Shores Church, the Laguna Niguel Family YMCA, the Surfrider Foundation or the charity of one’s choice.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: February 24, 2018 (1:00 PM)
- Venue: South Shores Church
- Location: 32032 Del Obispo Street San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 661-4991
4 responses to Paul Gregory Neeve
Karen Mauro says:
February 7, 2018
Dear Judy
Sending you and your family my deepest sympathies upon the loss of your husband Paul.
Forever your Daughter says:
February 8, 2018
Little did we know that morning, God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for parts of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
We love and miss you Dad / Grandpa. You are forever in our hearts!! XOXO
John Greer says:
February 9, 2018
To the Neeve and Evans Families, I wanted to say how truly sorry I am to learn about the passing of Paul (better known to me as “Mr. Neeve”).
He had a huge impact on my life while I was at Niguel Hills Middle School. I was lucky enough to have Mr. Neeve as my English professor, photography instructor and yearbook advisor. But our relationship was so much more. I love photography and I loved school. The fact that I could combine the two with an instructor as knowledgeable and passionate as Mr. Neeve was, was a true joy.
When my friends and I joined the yearbook staff, we jumped head-first into the “job.” By my second year, I was appointed the editor of the yearbook and two of my dearest friends were assistant editor and director of photography. I was in heaven.
Even with all of these fond memories, I am thankful for Mr. Neeve for so much more. It was the time he spent with me personally. My parents were going through a rough and protracted divorce. Mr. Neeve must have sensed that I needed a father figure. We’d work late after school and he’d drive me home. He always had positive and insightful advice for me. On very special occasions we’d meet at the Surf and Sand for breakfast on a Saturday morning. I felt so special that he would spend his personal time with me just to make sure I was OK and on track. When I went to USC, he continued to stay in touch and offer guidance and kindness.
I’m 54 now and I can say there’s not a week that goes by that I don’t think about the things Mr. Neeve did for me. I only wish I had a chance to tell him this when he was alive.
Again, my deepest condolences for your loss. He was loved and respected by generations of students.
John Greer
Class of ’77
Niguel Hills Middle School
Kelley Grant says:
May 26, 2021
To the Neeve family,
Paul (Mr. Neeve as I will always respectfully remember him as) was an incredible teacher and encouraging person who was so interested in his students. In particular, I was one of his students in the yearbook class, which I consider my first rewarding working effort and passion in photography and journalism. He taught me hard work and effort, encouraged gifts and challenged me and my classmates. More than that he was just a really awesome guy that I respected tremendously,
I was reading through my eighth grade yearbook (1979) from Niguel Hills Jr. High and was really struck on how connected he was with people and his students. He was always positive, caring and paying attention to details.
He has always been a figure of thought and encouragement for me, and I wish I had been back for a visit from time to time to thank him for it.
God bless your family,
Kelley Grant
Student – Niguel Hills Jr. High – 1979