Obituary: Munro, Neil E. Jr.
Age 85
The Rev.
Neil Edward Munro, Jr. died November 8, 2012.
He was born January 30, 1927 in Oakland, California, graduating from Berkeley High School.
Neil served in the United States Army as an M.P.
in Kyoto, Japan.
He was a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and Princeton Theological Seminary.
Neil was ordained to the gospel ministry of the Presbyterian Church on June 16, 1954 and married Kerry Imbach the following year in Delta Junction, Alaska.
He served in numerous churches across Alaska and Washington including Fairbanks, Barrow, Seattle, Anacortes and Sitka.
Kerry died of cancer early in 1983.
While living in Sitka, Alaska, Neil met Donna and they were married the following year.
They moved to Anchorage where Neil worked as Executive Presbyter of Alaska and Yukon Presbyteries for 10 years.
Following retirement in Spokane, Neil served as Interim Associate Pastor at Opportunity Presbyterian Church and Interim Associate Pastor at the Korean Presbyterian Church.
Neil was instrumental in organizing the Skagit County Mental Health Association and the Sitka Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse.
In September 1991, he led a team of Alaskan pastors to the Russian Far East, helping organize a ministry to the Siberian Yupik Eskimos, which is now the Chukotka Native Christian Ministries.
Neil dearly loved and cared for his family and was always available to help whenever there was a need whether lending a hand with painting, helping with moving, or caring for grandchildren.
He was fiercely proud of each of his grandchildren and encouraged them to follow their passion.
Neil had a quick wit, a twinkle in his eye and always a story to tell.
He and Donna loved to travel and together they enjoyed visiting England, Scotland, Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Sweden and Russia.
Even in his final days, Neil expressed a desire to return to London again.
Though always humble, Neil was a strong and steady presence in our family and left us with wonderful memories and a final lesson of grace and perseverance through difficult life challenges.
Neil is survived by his wife, Donna; son, Peter Munro (Victoria), Kenmore, WA; son, Jeffrey Munro (Vanessa), Anchorage, AK; stepdaughter, Leslie Weller (Jerry), Spokane, WA; stepson, Burt Munro, Pomeroy, WA; and seven grandchildren.
A celebration of Neil’s life will be held at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church on November 30, 2012 at 2:00 PM.
Reverends Ken Onstot, Brad Buff and David Dobler officiating.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Jay Wittenkeller and his staff and Hospice of Spokane staff, Melissa and Trina, for their friendship, support and excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Spokane or Hamblen Presbyterian Church.