Neil Valentine

February 15th, 1950 - August 16th, 2007

Neil 's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Neil here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Dear Neil's Family:
I am very sorry for your great loss.
Words cannot describe the amount of respect that I had for Neil. I will never forget the words he lead by and the way he challenged me in my career here at Dana. The world has lost one intelligent and powerful man. "Uncle" Neil always supported my dreams through words of encouragement and advice. I will forever miss him and thank him for everything he has contributed to my life. I pray for your family's strength through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Rachel Lahr

Rachel Lahr

My heart is very sad and my eyes could not hold back the tears when I heard of the passing of a man that I had the highest respect for, Neil Valentine. I have never worked with or for someone that challenged and encouraged me more in my work, than Neil. Years after Neil had left the Henderson Plant he would continue to call me or send me notes congratulating me on accomplishments that I felt were only a part of what I was expected to do as a part of my job. I have said many, many times that the people working in the Henderson Plant owe their jobs to Neil. He took our plant through the most difficult years in the history of the plant. I still believe today, that under different leadership the Henderson Plant would not exist today. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time. God Bless You, Steve & Mary Nell Reeder

Steve & Mary Nell Reeder

Chris, My deepest sympathy is with you, Nick and Laura. Neil was such a remarkable "young" man. I enjoyed working with him so much. I truly feel if it weren't for his intelligence and leadership Eaton/Dana would have folded years ago. His fortitude and strength was an inspiration to everyone around him. He will definitely be missed--but what a blessing for him. He is in a far better place and I pray knowing you will be with him again some day will help give you the consolation you need.
You and your family are in our constant prayers.

Terry Davis

Dear friends, I just heard of Neil's passing and wanted to extend my deepest sympathy. Neil was a wonderful person and a very professional businessman. He gave me my first chance in sales at Eaton and mentored me during my initial career with the company. I have great memories of his daily courage, business acumen and customer relationship. His beautiful smile and fantastic sense of humor will stay with me. He truly was an example to many of us. Thinking of all of you in prayer.

Sincerely,
Eric Zahrai
Eaton in Europe.

Eric Zahrai

Please accept our deepest condolences on your great loss. Words are not enough to describe the qualities of Neil. In the business world, Neil was an endangered species, a straight shooter, creative and intense timeless worker (just look at his passport) and a remarkable individual. As a fellow mentor at Eaton, he was a solid advisor with great wisdom and insight.
As my career progressed, my greatest regret was that I didn't hire him! As a friend, he was a great guy. We often exchanged stories, thoughts, and laughs. Conversations on Boston, swimming, where would the tuition payments come from, and Chinese visiting Chinatown in Chicago. Again, always with a honest and fresh perspective. I have fond memories of those conversations.
I always knew Neal was in pain with his arthritis. He never whined, complained, or even mentioned it. In my life Neil stood tall and starred this distress down and made it appear like nothing. No drama. My what an example he was.
The heavens have gained a great person.
With great sympathy,

george & sandy dettloff

To Neil's family: You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I started working at Volvo in 1993, and Neil was one of the first people I met from our supply base.

Neil was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He always had the same dedication, honesty, and compassion, whether you were discussing business or a personal matter. We ran into each other at the Henderson facility in May. Neil had the ability to always make you feel better after talking with him.

Your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

Warmest Regards,

David Louya

David Louya

My memories of Neil are certainly all good ones. What a wonderful man and at one time my boss. He was an easy man to work for and we all had lots of good times working together. He was such a caring individual and I never once heard him complain about how he was feeling. As I said, all my memories of him are good, but the one that sticks in my mind was when I lost my father. Neil not only came to visitation, but he actually came to my father's funeral, never having met him! God bless his whole family - my prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed.

Brenda May

Dear Chris:

I am so sad to hear the tragic news of Neil, Neil has been a very good friend, teacher and boss to me. I have been always respected and admired Neil for his spirit of life, his attitude of fight to difficult, set a very good sample to me when I met difficutlies in my life. I was so sad when I hear this news, don't know what to say, and what to think. I will missing him so much.

I could not attand the visitations and funeral because I am in China right now. I will send my pry to Neil through my soul.

Please look after yourself well so that Neil can leave with a ease spirit.

Song