Obituary of Keith R. Neal

NEAL Keith R. 82 departed this Life September 2, 2020. Beloved Husband to Lois M. Neal of 59 years. Devoted Father to Angelie Neal, Diana Neal-Blaylock and Lisa Neal. Loving Grandfather to Jourdan, Fernando and Chanel. Brother to Lincoln and James. Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a 6:30 P.M. Prayer Service. Please keep the Neal family in your prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the Neal family with the arrangements. On July 7, 1938, the man that we all knew as “Chef”, Keith Neal, was born to Oliver & Evelyn Neal (deceased) in Belize City. Keith attended Holy Redeemer and later went on to attend SJC in his teenage years, where he played basketball and football. Working on a ship with his father sparked his interest in cooking. It was then he realized his passion for preparing Belizean cuisine. While attending SJC, he met the love of his life, Lois Leslie, and they were married on December 10,1960. Their harmonious union created three beautiful daughters. Angelie (Joy) was his first born. You can tell by her nickname that she was all he needed to brighten up his day for a lifetime. His second daughter, Diana, always looked to him for advice and wisdom on life and career moves. The third strike, Lisa, was supposed to be the son he never had. However, she still fulfilled all his needs and watched every sporting event together. He never felt a void and loved all three of his girls beyond means. He would always make sure they were well taken care of. They were fully equipped with his handbook on life advice and when things were tough, he made sure to always humor them with a story or a joke. After residing in Belize for most his youth, he migrated to the United States, where he worked in the fashion industry as a Shipping and Receiving Manager. After retirement, he moved to the sunshine state, Florida. He then would travel back and forth between Belize and Florida, wherever his heart resided for the moment. On September 2,2020, our beloved Chef transitioned to be with the Lord. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, three daughters, and three grandchildren (Jourdan, Fernando Jr. and Chanel); amongst numerous friends and associates. He will dearly be missed for his out of this world humor, bigger than life personality, his over the top stories, creative jokes; and most of all, his food that brought people from all walks of life together. When you are craving some of the best Belizean cuisine you will have to wait in line in heaven. For every dish made, his secret ingredient was love. He was never in a rush to finish a plate because his mantra was good food takes time. Although we have lost someone very dear to us, we have gained an angel. The family thanks everyone for your support and love for him and his spirit will live on forever. Rest in peace Chef.