Irving Hare
In Memory of
Irving O'Neal "Neal"
Hare
1932 - 2018
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Highlands Family Owned Funeral Home
"We are honored to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
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Condolences

Condolence From: Terri Riffe Schmidt
Condolence: “The strength of a man is in his character. A strong man is a great man of wisdom who understands, his top priority is to his family.” ― Ellen J. Barrier

What do you say about a man that has been like a second father? Family was at the heart of everything you did. I am heartbroken to let you go, but I am so grateful that I had you in my life. You were a strong man with strong opinions and a strong work ethic who knew how to have fun! I will be forever grateful for my driving skills, especially my parallel parking skills even though you had me in tears! You made me park in between my two best friends (your daughters) and I was afraid I would run over them. You just told me to park the (expletive) car. I can also drive in reverse as fast as forward because you made me drive in reverse for hours because the transmission may go out and you may not have any other choice. Just last year when I drove you to Evansville you told me I was a good driver—it took me 44 years to hear that!
You taught me, my siblings and my mother to waterski even though you could never swim. I trusted you implicitly as you circled around me bobbing in the Cumberland Lake. Although it looked like you might run over me; you dropped the ski rope right in my lap, said, “hang-on and let the boat pull you out of the water”! You were always up for crazy skiing stunts, changing boats, pulling 18 people at once, taking up the entire width of the lake!! You allowed me to invade your camper space and stay at your home. We had a great childhood full of summer lake fun and I am grateful!
You were so proud of your craft, your workmanship, wine making skills and you were always trying to make each of us better (at least that is how I am going to remember it) or do it Neal’s way. You were giving me my last life lesson on Saturday evening. Always put your tools back where they belong (purse/keys/glasses/phone). If you have a place for each tool and you put it back where it belongs you can walk to your truck at midnight without any lights and find the exact tool. I think that served you well in your later years when sight was a problem.
I am grateful that we reconnected and that I was able to spend these last few holidays and fun times with you and show you some of the appreciation I have for all that you did for me. I love you Neal Hare and will miss you—thanks for stopping by!!
Tuesday May 08, 2018
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