Neil LeRoy Toothaker, known as "Dad - Grandpa" to family and "The Tooth" to friends, passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, with the presence of his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, because of complications from brain surgery.

Neil was born Aug. 22, 1938, to John and Katherine Toothaker in Spirit Lake, Idaho. He graduated from Enterprise High School in 1957. Upon graduation, Neil enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1961. He received the Navy Good Conduct Medal.

Neil always had a quest to date the rodeo queen. In 1962, Neil met Bette Ellis, who at the time was queen of the Lewiston Roundup. They married March 9, 1963. They had two children: Jennie Lee Toothaker was born March 8, 1964, and Robert John Toothaker was born March 25, 1966. Their marriage later ended in divorce in 1983.

In the mid-1960s, Neil enjoyed stock car racing and did it well. His last stock car was known as "Betty's Lil Red Wagon." In the early 1960s Neil ran for state representative.

Following high school graduation, Neil worked in the road construction industry before owning and operating his own business, J and T Construction. In the late 1970s he founded Western Machinery Brokers, specializing in heavy equipment sales. Neil's latest business venture, from which he retired, was Med Tec, a business he developed and operated selling emergency trauma packs and other Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety equipment.

Neil always worked hard, and this was an inspiration he inspired in his children. Neil was the perfect example to stand strong, even when standing wasn't easy, be independent, work hard for what you want in life, be giving, be respectful and be caring for others.

Neil was community-minded and was often the first to take on a new fundraiser to support a worthy cause and to help raise the money to accomplish the goal. One of his most notable roles was bringing lights to the Clarkston High School football field, which allowed the school to have home games.

Neil's greatest joys were his children and grandchildren. He traveled many miles to attend their sports events, horse shows or rodeos. He loved to tell anyone who would listen about the base that was stolen or the home run that was hit. Win or lose, they were always winners in his eyes.

In 1997, Neil married Gloria Schrader and until his death they enjoyed time with friends and family. They loved to dance, travel and attend social gatherings. Neil had a passion for golf, and he loved his friends at the Clarkston Country Club. You would find Neil there playing a game and enjoying friends any day of the week.

Neil had a smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a fun personality that were a joy to all who knew him. He built a well-deserved reputation for a great sense of humor.

Neil is survived by his wife, Gloria at their Clarkston home; his daughter, Jennie Lee Toothaker of Lewiston; his son, Robert John Toothaker and his wife Anjee of Winchester; stepdaughter Kathy Ward and her husband, Adam, of Enterprise, Ore.; stepsons Terry and Scott Charter of Clarkston; grandchildren Jordanna Snyder, Reece Qualey, Ryan and Brady Toothaker; stepgrandchildren Nicole Greene, Alannah and Tyler Charter; great-grandson Branson Rozier; and stepgreat-grandchildren Trinity and Nevaeh Charter.

Neil was preceded in death by his brothers, David and John Toothaker; mother Kathryn Hill; and stepfather Art Hill.

Please join the family in honor of Neil's life at 3 p.m. Saturday 1/8/2014 at New Bridges Community Church, 2101 Eighth St., Lewiston. Please join the family for a reception following at the Quality Inn, 700 Port Drive, Clarkston.