David Neblett

DAVID NEBLETT IDAHO FALLS, ID -- David Neblett, devoted husband and loving father, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2009, due to a heart condition. At age 59, Dave would be the first to say he lived a life rich with family, adventure, and countless blessings. Dave was born October 21, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, to James and Virginia Neblett. Raised in Michigan and Ohio, Dave graduated in 1967 from North High School in Eastlake, Ohio. Two years later, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power Program and served as Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator, Engineering Watch Supervisor, and Engineering Laboratory Technician and Instructor. Completing six years of sea duty and three years of instructor duty, Dave was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy at age 28. Dave began work at Argonne National Laboratory in August of 1978 as a Chemistry Technician for EBR-II. After transferring to Reactor Operator, Dave was promoted to EBR-II Reactor Foreman and served in that capacity until the reactor was shut down. Dave then moved to the Fuel Conditioning Facility, where he was serving as Staff Specialist and MBA Custodian and Criticality Safety Officer. His career reflected his strong work ethic as he consistently excelled on the job while pursuing further education. Throughout his time at Argonne, Dave attended eleven years of night school at the University of Idaho and graduated with a degree in Reactor Operations in 1990. In the summer of 1980, self-described as “the best decision he’d ever made”, David was married to Carolyn Lyon of Idaho Falls. Dave and Carolyn enjoyed a marriage full of love and laughter; traveling often, participating in outdoor recreation such as camping, boating and hiking, and spending time with daughters Catharine and Christa. Happiest when surrounded by “his girls”, Dave, Carolyn and their daughters spent many summer vacations at their cabin in Montana and embarked on frequent winter ski holidays. An avid sport enthusiast and perhaps Cleveland’s most devoted fan, Dave enjoyed watching sporting events and attended games frequently with his family. Also known as a local computer genius, Dave often took time to work on his and other’ computers. Apparent to all who knew him, David’s priority and joy in life was his family: he was a loving, supportive husband and an extraordinary father. He showed his love for his family in countless ways: through the intentional time he spent with them, the continual encouragement he offered, and his gift of laughter. He will be forever missed and never forgotten. David is survived by his wife Carolyn Lyon Neblett; children Catharine Neblett of Seattle and Christa Neblett of Idaho Falls; his parents James and Virginia Neblett of Tennessee; and siblings James Neblett of Colorado, JoAnne Reid of Tennessee and Mary Paradise of Tennessee. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2009 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 270 N. Placer; with Rev. Susan Speir officiating. Family visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, Dave’s family requests that donations be made to the David Neblett Paradise Point Memorial Fund through St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 270 N. Placer, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Gene & Barbara Kurtz gkurtz9364@earthlink.net We cannot express our sorrow in any adequate way. Dave's passing leaves a space that cannot be filled. If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. Love, Gene & Barbara Tiffany Leavitt tiffany.leavitt@inl.gov Dave was a good friend to me at work. I am new to MFC; I've only been here for three years and that's a relatively short time to some of these old Argonne people. He took the time early on to teach me about MFC and was nice to me from the start. I so much appreciate the friendship I had with Dave. I'll really miss him. My heart goes out to you. (He ALWAYS talked about his wife and children. He's so proud of his kids!) Connie & Bob Tessmer connie.tessmer@inl.gov Today is a very sad day at MFC because we lost a true friend and a great husband/dad. We are all sharing good stories about Dave to help us heal this large hole that is left behind. Our wish to you is that you too can keep his memories alive and may they comfort you at this time. He loved you all so much which was evident in every story he shared. May God's love give you peace. Bruce & Trisha Diehl trishadiehl@msn.com Aunt Carolyn & Cousins~ I'm sorry to hear about Uncle Dave's passing. He always was the life of the party at family gatherings. They just won't be the same without him there. We'll miss him greatly. If you need anything give us a call. Love You~ Bruce, Trisha, Anthony & McKenna Diehl Donna & Alana Andrus dandrus3@msn.com Dearest Carolyn and girls, You know that Alana and I can empathize with all that's going on right now. We love you, we pray for you, and we are HERE to help you deal with losing Dave. He was incredibly kind, as you three are, and the Andruses hurt for you. Please call us if you need an ear. -- Love, Donna & Alana Barbara (Kehoe) Rounds mamakehoe@hotmail.com Carolyn, I am shocked and saddened about the death of Dave. I hope you know that you and Dave had many friends far and near and our blessings go out to you and your families. My deepest sympathies, Carolyn . Sincerely, Barbara (Kehoe) Rounds, Jupiter, Florida Lesli Wagner Dear Carolyn, I am very sorry to learn of your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Lesli and Lauren Wagner Jacob Call glotof@yahoo.com I never met David, but I knew the daughters. They were exceptional young women in school, and I can bet that their dad must have been a great man to help raise them into the women they now are. God be with you. Dianna Johnston Carolyn, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. There are no words I can offer other than I am sorry for your loss of the love of your life and your partner. Peace be with you, Dianna Johnston (Cantata choir) Noah Barnhart I'm so sorry for your loss; he was a great person. Our families have some great memories from the past that will last a lifetime. He will be missed. Dana Mallard topduck51@yahoo.com I haven't even known Dave quite a year. I enjoyed visiting with him and his laugh. While working on my qualifications, Dave would go out of his way to assist me. I appreciate that. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Ximena Schneider ximenaschneider@yahoo.com Dear Carolyn, I am very sorry to learn of your loss. I will keep you and your daughters in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathy, Ximena Schneider