Regrets, I cannot attend Neal's celebration of life.  I first knew Neal as a fisherman and later as a client.  Neal was a friend in both endeavors.  Always a gentleman and great fisherman.  Many fond memories, fishing and business.  

Rest in peace, my friend and tight lines!

Jerry Yahiro

What a great friend, mentor, angler and knowledgeable gentleman Neal really was! Always willing to help and just really fun to travel with and be around. One of the finest men I've ever met. Rest in peace Neal and thank you for all you've done for all of us!! Dale Miles

I was so sorry to hear about Neal's passing. We fished together a number of times with TAA, a few of which I remember fondly.  In 2002 on the same boat at Eastcape we had 3 double hookups on Stripers in a short period of time, and landed most of them. Then in 2010 we were on the same team at Cabo for the International Offshore Fishing Tournament, so I got to fish with him for three days.  With the time spent together on various boats over the years, I came to appreciate what a knowledgeable fisherman he was, and a fine gentleman to boot! We always had a good time together. I will miss him.

Neal was a great fishing friend of mine. He was so knowledgeable about tournament fishing. He will be missed!!!

As a relatively new angler with TAA, I had the privledge of fishing with Neal once. My impression of Neal as a real gentleman  was formed when a Marlin took my long lure and when I started fighting it my short rod had another Marlin on it. I yelled to Neal to take that rod and he hesitated and said are you sure you want me to take your fish and I said yes. He promptly brought in that Marlin while I lost my lure fish. At that point he looked at me with a sly smile and said “sorry but that’s fishing”  I would have loved to have another opportunity to fish and learn with him.

Neal with Smokey Molle and John Jackson

I wanted to share with friends and family a few things about Neal and the legacy he left as a member of the Tournament Anglers Association. I met Neal in 1988 just 5 years after he, John Jackson and Bill Hoey founded the organization. They created the organization to promote conservation in the form of catch and release tournaments, and sportsmanship by abiding by the IGFA angling rules.

Neal was a very accomplished angler having won 11 tournament championships. Probably the most notable was his top individual angler award at the 2001 Offshore World Championship in Kona. Neal was also one of only four members of TAA to have over 200 tournament billfish releases, he stands in second place with 239 releases. I had the privilege of participating in 2015 Eastcape Billfish Tournament which was Neal’s last tournament, which of course he won!

Besides be a great fisherman Neal was a good friend. I spent many days fishing with him and we always had great conversation and a fun time despite our 30 years age difference. Many of the younger members of TAA affectionately called him “Uncle Neal”

Neal had a presence and style that is unlike many I have met in my lifetime. I have always admired him, and will miss him very much. RIP my friend.

Neal was a mentor in leadership throughout the five years I knew him in his retirement community. Reliable, straightforward, full of integrity and a generous spirit. I feel honored to have become his friend in these five years.

McNamara Family,

Some of my best memories are from time spent at the ranch, from riding Cherokee when i was a kid to Pat and Renee's  wedding rehearsal dinner.

I will always hold a special place in my heart for your family and am sending deepest condolences. 

Sending hugs and love from all of the Lee family.

Katie Lee