Daniel Neal

Daniel Lee Neal, known to most as Dan, passed away peacefully at the age of 75 on January 25, 2026, after a two-year battle with cancer. His children, grandchildren, siblings, and loved ones walked closely beside him throughout his journey, a testament to the deep love he inspired in his family. He now rests in the peace of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dan was born November 11, 1950, in Fort Collins, Colorado, to Stanford Neal and Phyllis (Neal) Smith. He grew up as the son of a nomadic rodeo cowboy in a lively family of seven children, where rough-and-tumble adventures and strong sibling bonds shaped his resilient spirit.

In his youth, Dan had a cool sense of style, drove cool cars, enjoyed dancing and loved the popular rock music of the 1960s. As an adult, he mostly had country music playing, with the Marshall Tucker Band and Alabama among his favorites, as he cracked open an icy Coors from a cooler by his horse trailer and handed one to a family member or rodeo companion, sharing stories and laughs.

He attended schools in Sacramento, California, and Gooding, Idaho, graduating from Hagerman High School in 1968. He later attended Antelope Junior College in California and the College of Southern Idaho before serving in the National Guard. From his father he learned the flooring and tile trade, which he mastered with pride. He generously shared his knowledge, teaching family members the skills he had honed. He also carried many of his father’s cowboy mannerisms and ways throughout his life.

Though short in stature, Dan was wiry, strong, and naturally athletic. Wrestling was his best sport in school, but rodeo was his true calling. He excelled in steer wrestling and bull riding, winning numerous events over the years and often rodeoing with his brother Tom. If anyone needed a steady hand before climbing into a bull riding chute, Dan was the one to pull the rope, look them in the eye, and say exactly what they needed to hear: “Bear down and go on.” He competed throughout Idaho, Nevada, California, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming — including Cheyenne — and continued competing into his sixties, appearing at Old-Timers Rodeos in Estes Park, Colorado, and in the Senior Pro Rodeo Association.

Horses were one of Dan’s great loves. He had many throughout his life, and the deep bonds he formed with them made them part of the fabric of his family. He developed exceptional horsemanship, seeming to become one with the horse whether charging from the box at full speed or sitting calmly and confidently in the saddle.

Dan married Nancy Brown in 1974, and during their 17 years of marriage they raised five children—Doni Jo, Boone, Zack, Sam, and Tommy—living in Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado before settling long-term in Gooding, Idaho. Though their marriage ended, Nancy remained his lifelong friend. He was later married for many years to Pretina (Neal), an important part of his and his children’s lives.

More than anything, Dan loved being a dad. In between rodeo and working, he spent his time coaching and cheering (well… hollering!) from the sidelines, filled with Neal pride. He chased his rodeo dreams with admirable tenacity and taught his children to be fearless, strong, persistent, and to stand up for themselves. In his later years, some of his happiest times were spent on a golf course or watching the Denver Broncos — favorites he loved sharing with his kids and family. Dan made himself tough and rarely complained of pain, despite a lifetime of collecting rodeo injuries. Though he maintained a strong exterior, those who knew him best were blessed to experience his deep affection and love. He had a gift for turning philosophical viewpoints and words of wisdom into witty one-liners, always with his cowboy twist. He was intelligent and well-read, largely self-educated, with simple values and little interest in material things. He loved to make people laugh and had a warm twinkle in his hazel eyes that will be remembered by all who loved him.

He is survived by his five children, three grandchildren—Paige, Elise, and Theo—his siblings Dave Neal, Cindy Neal, Tom Neal, Linnie Shields, Shari Valeti, and Randy Neal; his stepmother Carolyn; his half-siblings Stanford Jr. and James; and many extended family members.

Dan lived life on his own terms — with grit, humor, and heart. He loved his family deeply and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A private celebration of life, lovingly arranged by his children and siblings, will be held at a time of remembrance chosen by the family.