Neal Sligh (Mr. Sligh, or “Coach,” as known to hundreds of former students at Pacific Union School), was born March 9, 1937 to Thomas “Roy” Sligh and Jessie Lee Sligh in Gadsden, Alabama. Neal passed away at home surrounded by his family in the early morning of August 27, 2022. Neal did not “go gentle into that good night (Thomas).” Neal struggled to the end to tell Sharon, his wife, and those present, “I love you.” In his last moments, he reached out with both arms to embrace someone or something unseen and then found peace.

Neal and his parents lived for several years in Pell City, Alabama, but the family decided to move west to seek better employment. Neal spoke of being a young boy riding across the country in a vehicle equipped with a rumble seat.

Neal and his parents moved around quite a bit when he was a young boy and he attended a number of schools. He described moving away from newfound friends as difficult. The family eventually settled in Oceanside, California. Neal was living in a mobile home park when he became friends with James “Jim” Nolan. They became lifelong best friends and were close until Jim’s death in 2009.

Neal enjoyed sports and had natural athletic ability. In high school, he found that he excelled at track and field. Neal began pole-vaulting and literally went to new heights in high school and junior college, setting school records. Neal loved coaching and taught several local young men who set records to pole-vault.

After Neal graduated high school, he decided to enlist in the US Marine Corp Reserve. The Korean War was coming to an end and Neal always downplayed his courage in joining the Marine Corp as the war was ending. Neal loved being a Marine and had the honor of serving with Marine Heroes that had served during WWII and Korea. Neal was a young boy during WWII and talked about what a scary time it was to grow up. Neal had tremendous reverence for “The Greatest Generation,” which led to him reading and studying extensively about WWII.

Once Neal graduated from junior college, he looked to transfer to a four-year college that was as far away from Oceanside as possible, but still in California. Humboldt State College fit the bill and he moved to Arcata. Neal initially had trouble figuring out his major but found elementary education. Teaching school was his calling and he thoroughly loved every minute of it.

One day on campus, Neal was in a hallway when he noticed a pretty young lady crying. As a gentleman, he was always vigilant for “damsels in distress.” Neal approached the Freshman girl and asked what the problem was and if he could help. The young lady was having trouble figuring out what classes to take, so Neal assisted by planning her class schedule. The young lady was Sharon Jane Eller, the future Mrs. Sligh, and the love of his life. Neal and Sharon dated for the next two years and married in 1962 in Crescent City.

Neal and Sharon started a family in 1966, with the birth of their son, Ronald “Ron” Sligh, and had their second child in 1970, daughter Tierzah Sligh. The family purchased a lot on Anderson Lane in Arcata in 1972 and began building their home with help of family, friends, and sub-contractors. Neal did much of the construction himself. Anderson Lane was a special place and all the neighbors became like family and helped each other out. Neal loved living there and often said it was the best place he ever lived. The family is very thankful for the Pattersons, Mendes, Akanas, Westmans, Thompsons, and Desimones.

Neal and Sharon enjoyed traveling and being on the academic year, which allowed them to take many summer trips. Sharon talked Neal into going on a 450-mile bicycle tour with their church’s youth group. They then came up with the idea of doing a coast-to-coast biking trip. In 1983, the family took a 64-day bike trip from Florence, Oregon to Muskegon, Michigan.

During the crossing, Neal’s family met a biking group called Wandering Wheels. He biked across the country five more times with Wandering Wheels and went on trips to Russia and China. Neal’s favorite jackets were his Wandering Wheels Jackets. He had several and wore them all the time.

Neal’s son Ron married Annette (Demmin) Sligh in 1988. Neal immediately found that Annette was a new daughter and treated her as such. Neal’s love of teaching was passed down to Annette and gave them a unique bond.

Neal became “Papa” upon the birth of his first granddaughter, Josephine “Joie” Sligh, followed by Ashley Sligh, Jessica “Jessie” Ibarra, and Annabelle Sligh. He was fortunate to gain a step-granddaughter, Gabriella “Bela” Ibarra.

He taught at Pacific Union Elementary School in Arcata for 34 years and retired in 1995. Neal coached seventh-grade basketball for most of his career. Neal had the ability to get his teams to reach the best of their abilities and he had several undefeated seasons. During his career, Neal found himself as the vice-principal for three years. The administrative role took him out of the classroom, which weighed heavily on him. The principal at the time told Neal that he would have to stop coaching basketball, as it was taking too much of his time. Neal told his boss that being the vice-principal was taking up too much of his coaching time. Neal went back to the classroom and began enjoying his job again.

Neal was very active in the Arcata United Methodist Church for 50 years and has been in Eureka First United Methodist Church for the last 10 years. These past 11 years, Neal was a member of the Redwood Roamers, the RV’ing group, of the Eureka Elks Lodge #652. Also, back in the 1960s, he had revived the Humboldt Archers and enjoyed his years with the club.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Jessie, and his sister, JoAnne Sligh, who he never met. Neal is survived by his wife, Sharon, son Ron Sligh (Annette), and daughter Tierzah Sligh. He is also survived by his above-mentioned granddaughters. Neal will be missed by his niece, Misty Malloroy, nephew Todd Eller, niece Kim Anderson, and extended family.

We miss him greatly, yet, we know his struggle with dementia and his “liquid-only diet” is over. During the last month of his life, the family had the support of friends, Hospice of Humboldt, Visiting Angels, and local hospitals.

Services will be on September 10, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Eureka First United Methodist Church at 520 Del Norte St in Eureka, California with a reception following.