Neal Lamar Bishop

“The night was thick and hazy…” when our beloved Dad, Grandpa, G-g-pa, and friend passed quietly into the night on January 23, 2022.

Neal Lamar Bishop was born February 21, 1934 in Wallsburg, Utah. He was the fourth of ten children born to Angus Henry and Della Mae (Mecham) Bishop. A keen outdoorsman and scouter, Neal led generations of youth on unforgettable adventures. Through his quiet example, he taught integrity, music, poetry, life skills, a love for fun, and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Neal was an amazing and resourceful dad who always put his family first. From his patented laughter machine that could turn two arguing boys into best friends to his special bread-and-butter pickle hot dogs, he taught us how to be kind peacemakers.

He attended Brigham Young University and graduated from the University of Utah. While at BYU, he met the love of his life, Dixee. He married Dixee Inez Johnson on May 16, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they raised six children, four Navajo foster children, scores of neighborhood kids, dogs, as well as a lemon tree Dixee planted from a seed. He worked for Kennecott Utah Copper for 36 years, then spent his 29 years of retirement serving those around him. He and Dixee served a full-time LDS mission in Peoria, Illinois in 2003-2005. Neal’s love of family springs eternal. Since Mom’s passing in 2006, he lovingly encouraged us to live worthy to be with her again.

His quiet example and astounding creativity led to our constant involvement in community projects, including three prize-winning Days of ’47 parade floats, countless roadshows, food drives, pinewood derbies, plays, Scout-o-Rama, service projects, barbershop quartets, gallons of homemade ice cream, and more papier-maché wonders than you could ever imagine. A youth activity with Neal transformed the cultural hall into a medieval jousting match complete with lifelike cardboard horses and jousting rings. Neal’s world was one of wonder and amazement, and he loved sharing it with the world. In honor of just some of his service and dedication to others, he earned the distinguished Silver Beaver service award of the Boy Scouts of America.

He was an artist, a musician, a sculptor, wood carver, and an avid gardener. For years, he took a daily walk around the block to stop and chat with neighbors who needed a smiling face, a handshake, or a flower from his rose bushes. His contagious positive attitude can best be summed up in his own words; after pondering the plight of the LDS pioneers, he wrote: “I admire the pioneers and their sacrifices. Imagine the countless days of walking in the sun, wrangling cattle, setting up camp, cooking dinner, and then having to dance with all of those sweaty women.” Neal was a breath of fresh air. We’ll miss you greatly, Pop, until we meet again.

Neal was met on the other side by his wife, Dixee. He was preceded in death by his son, Matt (Lauren). He is survived by his children: Mark (Anita), Micalyn, Jon (Kerri Jo), Joe, and Ben (Silvana); four Navajo children: Tillman (Cindy), Esther, Warren and Moroni; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; scores of friends; and a legacy of goodness.

Funeral service will be held at 11:30am on Friday January 28, 2022 at the Rosecrest First Ward, 3101 South 2300 East. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday evening January 27, 2022 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and also at the church on Friday morning from 10:00am to 11:15am prior to the service. Interment: Larkin Sunset Gardens Memorial Park with a dedication of the grave at 2:30pm. On line tributes and remarks to the family can be posted at www.holbrookmortuary.com