Neil McIlrath, 95, of Sedro-Woolley, WA, passed away peacefully at home with family present on June 29, 2021.

He was born on April 13, 1926, in Punkin Center, WA, to James and Ella McIlrath.  He attended Hamilton schools and enlisted in the US Coast Guard in 1943 serving until discharged in 1946.

Neil and DeLora Adams were married in 1947 and they settled in Sedro-Woolley where they raised their three daughters and still reside.  He worked for the Skagit County Road Department as a heavy equipment operator for 36 years, retiring in 1987.  Neil enjoyed 34 years of retirement.  He loved raising a garden, trailer camping, spending winters in Arizona, and most of all, spending time with family.  Neil was so proud of his three daughters and grandchildren and his six great grandchildren, the first of whom were born when he was 90.  He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for over 50 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dee; daughters, Cheri McIlrath and Lisa (David) Svaren; grandchildren, Courtney (Mark) Nermo, Adam (Nikole) Mitchell, Kacee (Jay) Prochaska, Ashley (Sam) Walton, Alex Svaren and Kelsey (Caleb) Siep.  Neil's pride and joy were his great grandchildren, twins Drew and Jake Nermo, Jaxson Neil and Carter Mitchell and Clara and James Walton, as well as many very special nieces and nephews.

Neil was preceded in death by his beloved daughter and son-in-law, Jan Anne and Mike Gradl; as well as his parents; siblings, Mabel, Aloaha, Robert, Dorothy, Maxine and Virginia.

The family extends its thanks to Hospice for their kindness and care of our loved one.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Hospice of the Northwest.

An open house celebrating the lives of father and daughter, Neil McIlrath and Jan Gradl ( March 10, 2020) will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at 2:30 pm at the home of Cheri McIlrath, 713 Quinnat Drive, Burlington.    Share your memories of Neil and sign the online guest register.