Neil Odell WarrickAugust 6, 1922 - September 8, 2007Greg and I had the blessing of knowing Neil. He was our neighbor and "housed" our plane in his hanger when we first moved to Oregon. I remember sitting in his kitchen, drinking coffee, sharing stories, while Greg flew around the area. We helped Neil with his garden and often were guests in his home for wonderful dinners that he cooked for us.
When Neil was diagnosed with cancer 15 months ago, we made a special effort to help him with the things he needed done. We tended to his garden; Greg would rototill and I would weed. Neil's greatest pleasure was watching his garden produce so many wonderful vegetables, fruits and flowers, and sharing the harvest with us and many neighbors. Last year, we brought a wheelbarrow down to his home, picked corn, onions, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes and cantaloupe and then wheeled this around to the neighbors' homes, giving it away.
It's so hard to say good-bye to such a dear friend and someone who gave to others so generously. We only hope and pray we made life a little easier and happier for him. We miss him terribly and will always love him.
Good-bye, Neil. We know you are at peace with God and in no more pain. We will always remember you!
From the Statesman Journal:Neil Odell WarrickAugust 6, 1922 - September 8, 2007INDEPENDENCE - He was born August 6, 1922 in New Raymer, Colorado, where he spent most of his early childhood before moving to Oregon in 1935 with his parents, Edward and Mae, two brothers, Alwyn and Wyatt ‘Bud’, and two sisters, Gretchen and Kathleen. He graduated from Monmouth High School, then served from 1944 to 1946 in the 96th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, and Okinawa, Japan, where he earned a Purple Heart.His work experiences included farming with his family, Shell Oil as a delivery driver, and Bishops Clothing Store as a manager. He semi-retired in 1981 to become a private contractor as a “Jack of all trades”, where he found his true passion, before fully retiring in 1991. He was known for his fine woodworking, fabulous soups, and bountiful gardens.In 1950, Neil married Lucile Schwichtenberg in Salem, where the couple made their home until her death in 1991. The couple tremendously enjoyed spending time with family and friends, as well as traveling on many road trips all across America, and their annual trip to the beach with the granddaughters. In 1996, Neil built his home with pride at the Independence Airpark, where he made many friends.Neil is survived by his son, Gary Warrick and daughter-in-law, Chrissie of Portland; granddaughters, Brek Boehmer and Heather Miller of Salem; great-grandchildren, Cody and Bailey Boehmer and Jakob and Caitlin Miller; and friend Wilma Muench of Salem.Neil’s Celebration of Life will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, September 16 at Neil’s home, all are invited to come and share in the final harvest of the garden. Arrangements are by Barrick Funeral Home.
It's still baseball season for Ayden; but he just can't give up the snow boots. He will be so disappointed there won't be the Iowa snows this year for him to play in! There may be trips to Mt. Rainier in the future for him!!
Lauryn is ready to run! She loves the park and can't wait to get to the slides.
Meysa and Lauryn spent most of the time on this slide. Lauryn could do this all day!
Higher, Daddy! (Grandma says - that's high enough!)
It's all about the sleeping!
Okay, is anyone ready to take me for my walk?.jpg)
One of the beautiful fall colored trees that are on the property.
We spent Sunday hiking to the top of Multnomah Falls. It was a great day to explore.
See - we actually survived the 2.0 miles up to the top of the falls. We hope to come back in the spring when the falls are really flowing and take another picture. Bet we get really wet then!!!
We had our very own cheering section - Dad, Lauryn, Aimee and Mom! We are blessed to have such a supportive family. Thank you for being there for us.
Ayden and Meysa are waiting patiently for us to arrive at the finish line.
This is about mile 3 - still going strong!
We did it and we're glad it's over!
Greg stood around and took great pictures - glad we are finally in a picture together. 
Okay - we're sitting and not wanting to move - do we look like we have any energy left???? Not so anyone can tell!
Splashing their way from one end to the other!
Who can find the balls on the bottom of the pool?
Grandma Margaret, Ayden, Meysa and Lauryn
Some adult time while the kids are all in the pool. Great fun!