Neil Raymond Gansler

On Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019, Neil Raymond Gansler, of Kelso, passed away in the arms of his loving wife, Pat. He was 74 years old.

Neil was born Nov. 28, 1944, in Bellingham, Wash., to Elver and Alma (Miller) Gansler. He received his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Washington in 1966.

On May 15, 1971, he married Patricia Elaine Eby. In this union, he happily acquired two sons and two daughters.

Neil worked in the pulp and paper industry his entire career; as a chemical engineer at Fibre in Longview, Wash.; as chief chemist at Hoerner Waldorf in Missoula, Mont.; and as technical director at Champion International in Ontonagon, Mich. His industry expertise in process and design led to his final position as a paper mill consultant with Harris Group, in Portland, Ore. working at Longview Weyerhaeuser for several years.

Neil is best described as a true gentleman with a great sense of humor. His smile lit up the room and his laugh was infectious. He enjoyed a varied genre of music from hymns to Roy Orbison to Michael Jackson. He cherished his wife deeply and was beloved by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and four brothers, Henry, Don, Marvin, and Gary.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; four children, Joni Smith (Garry), Kevin Eby, Monte Eby (Lilybeth), and Teresa Derochowski (Zigmond); 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Sally; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.