William (Bill) Galen Neal

Heaven rejoices with its new angel. William Galen Neal advanced peacefully to his next estate June 4, 2022. Born March 27, 1949, Bill was raised on his family’s farm in Shell Rock, Iowa. His parents, two sisters, and both sets of grandparents, family and good friends influenced his early years with a strong foundation of faith, work ethic, and caring for people.

He attended Waverly-Shell Rock High School in northeast Iowa where he was involved in almost everything: FTA (Future Teachers of America), band, choir, drama productions, business clubs, along with 4-H and MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship). Small town life helped him establish more life-long friendships while earning high achievements and scholarships. His typing speed and shorthand skills enabled him to assist and serve many all of his life. The grandson of a Methodist minister, Bill began playing organ at church as a teen and continued with piano and organ lessons throughout his life, even through December 2021.

His involvement in university life began the summer right after high school graduation. He majored in business education at the University of Northern Iowa(UNI), earning his Master’s Degree there also. Once again, he was involved in as many activities as possible while working in the Business School. There, he assisted multiple faculty members and flourished in that department. While accompanist for the University Men’s Glee Club, he was incorrectly introduced at their concert as a music major. He also played trumpet in UNI’s band, “The Marching 100” and took piano lessons. PBL (Phi Beta Lambda, a business fraternity) felt his leadership as he organized state conferences for its adviser and attended national conferences, successfully competing with his UNI team in Parliamentary Procedure events.

He launched his teaching career in high school in Spencer, Iowa, for a year then he joined college settings once again. At Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bill was a leader in the Office Education Department from 1972-1974. There he began co-advising an office students organization and that involvement became his idea of recreation for a lifetime. He loved students along with assisting in identifying and developing leaders. That never stopped throughout his 40+ years of university experiences. About this time, he met Dianna Reynolds, his co-advisor’s roommate. They met in January 1974 and were married in December.

Invited to take a position while one of his former professors was on sabbatical, Bill taught at UNI 1974-1975. He knew then this was to be his life’s profession, so he began his doctoral studies at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. While there, both Bill and Dianna were introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and studied that for four years before becoming members in 1979. Bill continued piano studies while completing that degree, and then continued organ studies when he took a position at Utah State University (USU), Logan, Utah, 1977-1984. Advising PBL and identifying leaders again was his recreation, but he also loved teaching business communications those seven years. Two daughters, Lindsey and Jennifer, were born to Bill and Dianna while living in Logan.

After joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the church education system became of interest. A position at BYU Hawaii opened and Bill was hired to begin the first computer lab on its campus in Laie, Hawaii. A 30-year love of this unique BYUH campus and its diverse and wonderful student body captivated Bill from 1984-2014. Even though he was not a native, ALOHA was a word he came to know and live by in this island paradise. Students and colleagues can speak for him best in describing highlights of these years. Teaching classes, advising student organizations (PBL, then SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise), and then ENACTUS), Bill also continued his musical involvement. He took piano lessons and played for weekly campus devotionals and for Sunday services.

His precious callings as a campus bishop and serving twice in stake presidencies -- along with being involved in change—all were part of his BYUH and Laie life. His family grew also, adding Erin and Megan, so now four lovely daughters completed his family to whom he taught piano each morning, before school or seminary. He added so much to their love of life and its balance. “Will it matter in the eternities?” and “what were your highlights today?” are phrases they remember their dad asking often as they gathered at the dinner table after school, tennis, soccer, band, or taking statistics at basketball games. They never heard him raise his voice in all of their years. His ladies adored their very patient, kind, and Christ-like dad and husband.

Completing time in Hawaii before heading to Utah for Retirement #1, Bill was called to serve in the presidency of the Laie Hawaii Temple in 2012. Official retirement from BYUH in 2014 lasted only one month, upon invitation to become the acting director of the MBA program at Utah Valley University, a position which became permanent for him in 2015. He didn’t leave student organizations behind, of course, inaugurating ENACTUS, ENgaging students to be ACTive in service worldwide, on UVU campus also. Retirement from university life came in July 2018, but he continued to be involved whenever called upon, especially in – yes, that’s right – ENACTUS.

After Retirement #2, Bill and Dianna enjoyed their Orlando, Florida home for a few years until Lock Down from Covid came. More time to enjoy their amazing eight grandchildren resulted.

In his family’s minds Bill has left us too early, but they know the heavens are in for some additional help in organizing for the gathering with their son, brother, uncle, husband, and dad on hand.

Bill was survived by his mother at his time of death, Lois M. Bearse Neal (age 101) who passed away a few months after Bill's passing. Bill is still survived by sisters Carol Soldwisch (Iowa) and Betty Gamundoy (Hawaii), wife Dianna, daughters Lindsey Pierce (John), Jennifer Neal, Erin Howe (Wiremu), and Megan Neal. The Grandchildren – 8 is Great – include Trevor, Devin, Kyle, and Bryson Pierce, Avery Howe, and Kylee, Mason, and Evan Jensen along with several nieces and nephews, and extended family.

His father, Galen E. Neal, and an older brother, infant Robert Ray, preceded him in death.

Bill’s favorite quote of church leader President Hugh B. Brown sums up his life: “We are not endeavoring to get ahead of others, only to surpass ourselves.” Truly he lived up to this in his every action and word. While surpassing himself Bill lifted us all. Throughout his life Bill earned many awards, honors, and accolades but felt relationships are what matters most in the eternities. A Tongan description once shared about him was translated “A soft voice that resonates loudly.” His kindness, caring, gentle nature, and influence for good are still resonating and he will be greatly missed by many.

In Bill’s final weeks, his favorite whispered phrase was “GOOD LIFE.” That is what all who know him may celebrate with him.