Illinois Valley News

Neil Francis White

For the many who did not know Neil White as I knew him: He was a man of many talents; a man who had seen much, endured much; a man who could be charming, pleasantly conversant, funny, and loving. And sometimes he could be a big pain in the butt.

I know that he was often irritating, because that“s a result of alcoholism, but he realized that he had made his choice and had to live with it. He also was a smoker of roll-yer-own cigs, and often told me that he wished he could quit. He didn“t, and likely that“s what led to his death. Yes, he could have had a better life. But being disowned by his birth family, and suffering the slings and arrows of a hard life on the road helped form his outcome.

Not a glowing eulogy, but Neil had no illusions about who or what he was. When I“d tell him about his needing a shower, as on Sundays when he“d sit in the News office while I worked, he“d agree. Next time I“d see him he“d be cleaned up. It“s hard to stay that way though, what with living on the street, and hanging with other drunks.

Because of his hard life, poor diet and alcoholism, he had some big medical problems. In fact, sometimes people would phone for an ambulance, as Neil would be unconscious slumped at a curb or lying on a sidewalk. He was admitted at least twice to Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass. He also had been a guest at the county jail because of failing to appear in court in answer to numerous citations for trespassing, like in front of stores.

As I said earlier, he could be a pain.

Among his friends are former Cave Junction residents Randy & Rebecca Lindauer. She recalls that they agreed to let him stay in a camper shell on their property for one winter. “That turned into 13 years,“ she said fondly. “He helped take care of our place, did gardening and pruning, and even baby-sat my grandchildren. He was a great guy.“

When the Lindauers left Illinois Valley for Hereford, Texas, Neil lost his accommodations because of the new property owners. But last year, as his constitution began failing, he phoned the couple. “He said he wanted to come home,“ said Rebecca. So valley residents Lou & Nora Trujillo bought him a bus ticket, and the Lindauers took him into their home. He hadn“t left their hearts, you see.

Rebecca related that in January this year, Neil began to worsen medically. He noticed a growth under his tongue. It was an aggressive, malignant cancer.

It was determined that the cancer was moving into his brain, his carotid artery and his lungs. Time was running out. On Tuesday, May 18, I phoned him at Amerisa Court, a convalescent home in Denver City, Texas. His nurse put her cell phone next to him, and I spoke to my friend.

He could not speak to me because of the progression of the cancer. But the nurse said, after my heartfelt comments, “He“s smiling.“ I wasn“t, but that“s beside the point.

On Wednesday the 19th, Rebecca phoned me to advise that Neil had died at 2 a.m. that day. Because of his condition and prognosis, she said lovingly, “It“s a relief. He had a full life, and the last days of it were his best. He had wonderful care.“

Amerisa Court is owned by Rebecca“s brother-in-law and her sister, Roy & Debbie Puentes. They took Neil in at no charge, and he also received hospice care.

Ironically, the Lindauers received a telephone call the day after Neil“s passing. A social worker advised that at long last, Neil would be put on Texas disability. He would have laughed at that situation. He liked to laugh. In fact, when arranging for his cremation, Neil told Rebecca that he had come to them on a Greyhound, and he“d return to Cave Junction in a shoe box.

Neil had a rough life of his own making, and plenty of faults. Just like most of us. And especially, Neil was my friend. So I mourn his passing, with the belief that he“s at peace — and the hope that we“ll meet again.

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