Thomas William McNeel

Thomas William McNeel, 63, of West Valley City, Utah, passed away unexpectedly on August 11, 2026, while kayaking on the Green River near Dutch John, Utah. Tom was born on June 18, 1963, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to parents Woodrow Wilson McNeel and Margaret Anne Harman. Tom married Susan Diane Taylor on January 21, 1984, and together they welcomed two beautiful children, Brandon William McNeel and Chasity Marie Alexander. On September 1, 1990, Tom married the love of his life, Robyn Lyn McNeel, in Wendover, Utah. They shared 26 happy years together, and through their marriage, Tom gained two bonus children, Jennifer Nicole Kendall and Troy Justin Kendall. Tom was an accomplished ironworker. During his 35 years of service with Iron Workers Local 27, he served as Superintendent or/General Forman on many projects, including the Salt Lake City International Airport, the Portland International Airport, and countless other municipal, educational, and infrastructure projects. If you fly through either, send a little cheers to him. Through his work, Tom built his second family and community, who were as important to him as his flesh and blood. Tom loved to tinker, fix and build. He was never short on a list of projects and dreams he was working on. Most of his projects were in service or benefit to his many loved ones and friends. He was always the first to offer a helping hand and prioritized caring for his people. He was a fearless adventurer, and often-times raised the blood pressure of everyone around him with his need for speed. Tom had an unrivaled green thumb; a house plant from him was a sure sign of his love. Tom was the life of every gathering. He had an unforgettable laugh, and the deep smile lines of a man who had mastered joking and laughing through life’s happiest and most difficult moments. Tom’s favorite place was on the water, in his boat, with a fishing pole in hand. Very occasionally, we are told, he was overjoyed to out-fish his friends. He was planning to spend his retirement years fishing and hunting at Flaming Gorge, in Manila, UT. Tom is survived by his children, Jennifer, Troy (Summer), Brandon (Max), and Chasity (Christopher); his grandchildren, Broderick (Caitlin), Skyler (Ashley), Taylor, Kaiden, Ashtyn, Chloe, Haylee, Eivan, and Autumn; his siblings, Jim Swenson, Anne Watts, Pat McNeel and sister in law Kathy McNeel; and his closest friends, Kenny “Furball” Andersen, Holly Nagel, Raphae Bogue, Stephanie Bogue, Jennelue Bracamonte, Steve “Shorty” Feragen, Robert “Wingnut” Swigart, Kraig “Mayo” Iverson, Duane “Dewey” Heaps, George Dybus; and his furbaby Ozzie Jane. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Robyn Lyn McNeel; his parents, Woodrow and Margaret; his siblings, Joe and Linda; close friend Gabe ”Manny” Gallegos; and furbabies, Bella, Maddie and Molly. Tom’s life was defined by the love he gave to others, the work he was proud of, and the family he cherished. Tom’s children would like to express immense gratitude to his work family for their deep love and care for Tom over the years. Spending time with them and listening to their stories about Dad has brought us our greatest comfort during this difficult time. The memory of Tom will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. Though he passed suddenly, his family finds peace in knowing he spent his final moments doing something he loved. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A private viewing will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2026 @ 1:00pm. Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, August 27th, 2026, from 5:00pm to 10:00pm, with a small memorial program beginning at 6:30pm. Please join us at: Sagewood Venue 10457 S. 3200 W. South Jordan, UT 84095

Thomas William McNeel

June 18, 1963 - August 11, 2026