Neil Franklin Read

Neil Franklin Read, 73, of La Grande, died Aug. 17 at a local nursing center. A memorial service was held Aug. 28 at Birnie Park.
Neil was born Oct. 13, 1936, to Oral Maurice and Catherine Elaine (Gray) Read at Toledo. He graduated from Newport High School in 1954 and served his country in the Air Force.

He enjoyed a career as a sports journalist and had a variety of other jobs. On June 16, 1973, Neil and Nathaline Coral George married.

Neil's favorite activities were watching football and basketball. He was an avid Ducks fan. He loved his children and grandchildren and was very involved in their lives. Neil was a member of the First Christian Church.

Surviving are his children, Robanai and her husband, Duane Disque, of Lexington, Twilla Petersohn of La Grande, Robert C. Riddle of Umatilla and Christopher Riddle of Hermiston; brother, John and his wife, Sharon Read, of Roseburg; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nathaline; and brother, Jerry K. Read.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to help the family with burial costs through Loveland Funeral Chapel.

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