In August 1956 Neil was born in Southern California From there he moved to Colorado and graduated from high school in Wisconsin. He was born spiritually while attending college in California in 1975. The Gideon New Testament he received on the Berkeley campus during Christmas break directed him to a major lifestyle change. This resulted in him spending the next 10 years living in two different Christian communities in California and Minnesota.He married Toni in 1980 and they had four children. They moved to Glenwood in 1987 where Neil started a window cleaning business. He enjoys being involved in Hope Community Church and serves in a variety of roles. He is also an avid gardener.