Neal Francis LaShaw

Neal Francis LaShaw, surrounded by family, passed peacefully into heaven on Friday, January 29, 2016. He was born to Carl & Clara (Hogan) LaShaw on August 19, 1922. He grew up on the family farm outside Rockford attending the rural LaShaw School and graduated from Rockford High School. He settled in the Rockford area following 2 years of service to his country in the Army during WWII. Following his discharge from the Army he returned home to marry the love of his life Alberta Perkins. They were married in 1948 and would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on February 7, 2016. Neal worked for other farmers, Rockford Grain Growers and then Cominco American for 27 years while building his own farm and growing his family. He was defined by his faith, commitment to family, extraordinary work ethic, integrity, and strong Christian values for which we are forever grateful. He retired at age 62 from farming and Cominco American and was able to travel with Berta to Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and throughout the United States.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jamie Lyn Chalich, brother, Melvin and Clement LaShaw and sister Alene Fricke. Neal is survived by the love of his life, Alberta “Berta” LaShaw, daughters Barbara (Bert) Chalich, Kathy (John) Cornwall, Teresa (Michael) Mahn, grandchildren, Daniel Cornwall, Timothy (Shawna) Cornwall, Heather Cornwall, great grandchildren, Mariah Cornwall, Colby & Ellie Schimke, Ayla & Emmit Cornwall, Joshua Chalich-Johnson, Kennedy and Reese Johnson (Michelle and Ryan Johnson), great great grandchild Ezra Francis Jamieson Cornwall and sister Berniece Wigen.

Rosary will be held on Thursday, February 25th at 7 pm at Thornhill Valley Funeral Chapel. A celebration of his life will be held on February 26th at 10am at Thornhill Valley Funeral Chapel followed by a reception at the Good Samaritan Community Center, 17028 E 8th Ave, with interment to follow at Fairmont Memorial Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions can be made to Good Samaritan Society of Spokane or the Union Gospel Mission of Spokane.