Neil Satterwhite

POCATELLO - Neil Satterwhite, lifetime resident of Pocatello, died on January 7, 2011 from complications of pneumonia and his service connected disability. Neil was born in Hansen, ID on September 19, 1943, the second son of Frank Satterwhite and Francis Goodman Satterwhite. His early childhood years included living on various farms and ranches with his parents in the Magic Valley area as the family followed the work of his father. In 1951, the family moved to Twin Falls where Neil attended school. In high school he was active in sports and outdoor activities. Following graduation from Twin Falls High School in 1961, he planned to enlist in the Air Force, but instead spent the summer fighting forest fires (including the major Corn Creek Fire) and then enrolled in the fall at Idaho State University where he studied history, political science, education and military science. Thus begun a life-long love and dedication to Idaho State University where he would later work as a guidance counselor and to the U.S. Forest Service where he would serve bravely as a Smokejumper. During his time at ISU Neil was a leader in student government and the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. He was also Commander of the ROTC Student Battalion. He graduated from ISU in 1966 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army Field Artillery Corps, at a time when the fighting in Viet Nam was increasing in intensity and there was a need for more manpower and other resources. Neil completed officer basic training at Ft Sill, OK and attended Air Borne and Ranger training at Ft Benning , GA. He received an initial assignment to Ft Bragg, NC and 101 st Airborne Div. In 1967 he was assigned to the division in Viet Nam as a forward artillery observer and participated in the 1968 Tet Offensive. In February 1968 Neil was critically wounded outside of Hue, Viet Nam. He was flown back to the United States and underwent 18 months of rehabilitation at Madigan Hospital in Tacoma, WA. In 1969, Neil received his medical discharge from the Army with a promotion to rank of Captain. Following his discharge he enrolled in graduate studies at the University of Arizona and completed a master's degree in vocational rehabilitation. He also resumed his summer work with the U.S. Forest Service as a smokejumper, based out of both Boise and McCall. His smokejumping career extended over 12 years. He was a life-time member of the National Smokejumpers Association and in his later years joined other former jumpers for several weeks every summer in NSA's Trail Maintenance Project. Neil began his professional career of helping others with a position at Idaho Rehabilitation Services in Pocatello in 1969. His next position was in Carson City, NV where he established a half way home and counseling center for young adults. He returned to Pocatello where he soon accepted a counselor position with Idaho State University College of Technology. In 1992 Neil received the Idaho Vocational Counselor Educator award. In addition to his work with the College of Technology Neil supported many student activities, especially the Phi Sigs. He received the Phi Sigma Kappa's Diamond citation for his contributions to the campus fraternity. Neil worked with others to make Pocatello a better community for all people, especially individuals with disabilities. He was an enthusiastic and hard-working member of the Bannock Civitan organization for over 22 years, and an active supporter of the Special Olympics. In keeping with his commitment to helping people with disabilities, Neil served on the New Day Products Board of Directors for over 25 years, and served as its president. He was a strong supporter of area veterans' organizations as well. Although Neil will be remembered by most for his servicea�"in the military, as a smokejumper, and to ISU studentsa�"and for his volunteerism in the community, Neil was also a man who appreciated Idaho's great outdoors where he loved to fish and hunt with his brothers and friends, raft Idaho's rivers, camp and hike. Neil cared about the environment and was an avid recycler. Throughout his lifetime Neil found pleasure and comfort in the company of his Newfoundland dogs. Neil was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and his older brother John. He is survived by the love of his life, Glenda, whom he married in McCall; daughters Sarah Averett, Laura (Dr. Gentry) Yost, and Lisa Hall, of Pocatello; brothers Melvin "Bob" (Kathleen) Satterwhite and Larry (Janet) Satterwhite of Boise; grandchildren: Chandler, Kennedy, Burkleigh, and Evan Yost; Rachel and Rebecca Hall; and great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Paulsen. Neil is also survived by nieces and nephews who will miss him including Rachel and Benjamin Neil Satterwhite, Boise; Tiffani (Brad) Sweeney and family, Boise; Monica (Kurt) Hollibaugh and family, Pinedale, WY; Douglas Satterwhite, Puyallup, WA; as well as hundreds of friends, co-workers, and students. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 15, at 2:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 1350 Baldy Avenue, Pocatello. A gathering of family and friends will be held following the service at the Pocatello Clarion Inn (formerly Holiday Inn). Funeral arrangements are under the care of Colonial Funeral Home (208) 233-1500. Donations in Neil's name can be mailed to Idaho State University College of Technology, 921 S. 8th Ave Stop 8380, Pocatello, ID 83209, where a scholarship fund is being established. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.