VAIL, CO – Dick Neal, originally from Benton and a long-time resident of Vail, Colorado, died on June 17, 2025, at the age of 92, at his home. He had been in increasingly frail health over the past ten years but remained sharp-witted with a prodigious memory. He was incredibly fortunate to be supported by a remarkable network of friends, caregivers, medical professionals, and Good Samaritans who helped him stay in his home and live the way he wanted.
Dick was born in Benton to Elmer and Mollie, the third of their four children, and part of a sprawling family of Neals, Brownings, Gunters, and Kings. He graduated as a basketball star from Benton High School in 1950 and went to Beloit College on a scholarship. He was drafted into the Army in 1953, just as the Korean War ended, serving for two years before returning to Beloit and graduating in 1956. He began his career in road construction machinery with Rex Chainbelt of Milwaukee, spending months at a time in Europe as its war-torn countries built new highways across the continent.
In 1966, he married Carolyn Mack (née Evans) of Milwaukee, a mother of two children, and they had two more children together. He moved the family to the Chicago suburb of Barrington in 1977 to launch his own consulting and strategic advisory business. He and Carolyn divorced in 1987.
In 1989, he landed in Vail, throwing himself into community life and taking advantage of all the region had to offer. He owned and ran Peregrine Wines in Vail Village for about ten years, served on boards, and offered advice freely to anyone who would take it.
Dick is survived by his three sons and six grandchildren. Very special thanks go to the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Vail Health and Shaw Cancer Center, Community Paramedics, Eagle County Healthy Aging, his tireless caregivers, and many, many dedicated friends.
A service in Vail to commemorate Dick’s life and thank all who helped him over the years was held on July 7. In Benton, friends and family are invited to gather at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, prior to interment at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.
For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.
