Digging through old boxes that haven’t been opened in years, I found a true treasure today. A photo album filled with pictures of Neal when we lived in Memphis. I still think of his loving heart and warm smile every day, and am so happy to have found these treasured memories.
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I worked with Neal’s mom (Sueann) in the ER at Aiken. As a fellow long-distance hiker (Appalachian Trail in 2000), I wanted to do something to honor Neal. On October 3rd, I paused at this trailhead in pic above on the Continental Divide Trail during a visit to Glacier National Park. I made a video which I sent to Sueann but was unable to share the video here. October 3rd was coincidentally the birthday of my brother Bob who died in 2016. Although I did not know Neal, I consider him as a fellow long-distance hiker to be a brother in Spirit. Much love to the Hanlin family and to all of his friends as they mourn his loss.
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Got to visit him in Portland in January. This is the only photo I have from the trip with him visible...pointing out things overlooking the city. Will forever be in our hearts.
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When I picture Neal, it's like this. That raised eyebrow, with a hint of mischievousness. Though there is so much to say, it seems like words could hardly do him justice. He was an incredibly beautiful and thoughtful person and I'm so thankful to have been able to call him a brother.
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The love we shared as friends was unique and comical at times. Neal changed my life the moment we met and my world will never be the same with him gone.
I'm grateful we crossed paths and created so many memories, but I'll never stop wishing you were here. Rest in peace sweet man.
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Josh Dukes published a comment L to R: Neal, Josh, and Carey, with Sarah Permenter Hays up top. This was at a lake somewhere that Carey and Neal had been swimming a lot but I can't remember the name. It was a fun day :-)
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Neal was someone I looked up to from the moment I met him, which was that magical summer between my jr and sr year of high school. He was a few years older than me and to me he knew everything that I didn't about life. When I was questioning who I was and who I wanted to be, he told me to always be true to myself above all else. I still hear his voice in my head when I think back on those days. Thank you Neal, for your light, your sweet laugh, and your friendship. I miss you.
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I don't know Meal, but wow that was a beautiful memorial for him. He was well loved. Prayers for the family and friends. ♥️
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David Rodgers published a comment
When I first met Neal, I was impressed by his vibrance and his charismatic personality. Whatever corner of the room he was in at a party just beamed with laughter. He had so much raw talent. He will be sorely missed by those who loved him. These dark days in the world are darker now with his absence. |
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There are too many memories of my friend Neal. There are still no words on the loss of Neal and what he means me and my family.. Neal shined very bright in this life and will forever be on my mind, my heart, and in my life.
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Ray Little published a comment In disbelief!
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Laura Gordon published a comment I knew Neil from swimming together summer league and year round in Aiken, South Carolina. I always remember his smile and kept us laughing. I was very sad when a friend shared this news today.
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Neal sent us all these AMAZING shirts for April Fools Day 2020. No one smiled for their picture, but we all laughed hysterically later.
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Thank you to Macky for donating to my PCT 2021 thru-hike in Neil’s name. I only now received the message giving me this link to Neil’s story.
What an amazing life he led on trail and off. I am humbled by his tenacity and will to succeed on trail. As a member of the mental health community, I suffer from Bipolar 2 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Being able to hike 225 miles this year for Neil is a huge accomplishment for me.
While I didn’t get to complete the trail due to a lack of support partners (an accommodation I made for my mental health), I am so grateful that this donation will be going to a worthy cause. My hope is to End the Stigma of mental health. Thank you for such a great gift you’ve given this community.
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