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.