Neil Royce Gause

Neil Royce Gause was born May 9, 1959 to two amazing parents, Albert “Burt” and Betty Gause in Murray, UT. He was the youngest of four siblings: Mel, Wendy, and Kelly. Neil met Shanna Richards in 1987 and they were married June 18, 1988. He absolutely adored Shanna and her daughter Laura, and became a wonderful dad instantly. Then just over a year later, Neil and Shanna celebrated the birth of their son Eric. He always boasted, “I have two of the greatest kids anyone could ask for”. Although Laura was his step-daughter, he never introduced her as such and he had always treated her as his own daughter, and she was so grateful to have him as a father. Eric was definitely Neil’s crowning achievement, and he loved raising his boy! Neil also took great pride in each and everyone of his 8 grandchildren. He had such love and admiration for the beautiful children who call him ‘Grandpa Gause’ or ‘Papa Neil’.

Neil truly believed that family was everything, always underscoring to his children and grandchildren the values he was raised on: our families are the ones who are always there for you, and they are the ones you can count on no matter what. He considered his brothers and sister to be his best friends. They were always concerned about Neil’s well-being, and their support was pivotal during the last few years of his life.

Neil also received significant support from his dog Fred. Fred is a smart and devoted companion, and was an excellent emotional service animal for Neil the past 7 years. Fred would alert Neil when his blood pressure elevated due to his cancer drugs, and was also aware of his cancer, frequently smelling the areas where the tumors were located. Fred loved camping with Neil or even just taking a drive, as long as he was by Neil’s side.

Neil had a strong work ethic, starting work at age 15 in 1974 at Larkin Cemetery right across the street from his home. Back then, his job was moving all the sprinklers by hand, mowing, and putting people in their final resting place. As a senior in high school, he started down the road of his welding career. He built Woodsman wood burning stoves, one of which is still in his home today. He worked for close to 20 welding shops as a welder and fitter. His next major work milestone was for the Union Pacific Railroad, where he worked for close to 10 years. Then in 1998, Neil went back to school to train in computer science, and after completing his degree began working support for Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP Pro professional level support. He then went on to IT Support for Morinda/Tahitian Noni, where he made some great friends. His final job was in IT Support for Sandy City. He truly enjoyed his time there and was treated amazingly well. Neil finally retired in May 2024.

Neil loved the outdoors! He loved hunting (elk especially) and enjoyed going out on his airboat for duck and goose hunting. In retirement, he was able to enjoy some travel in his motorhome, days out with his dune buggy, and later his Can-Am side-by-side. After retirement, the rapid progression of his cancer and subsequent pain slowed down his plans for travel, and that was the most difficult part to face: not living out his days as he had hoped and planned for. However, he was always eager to show his love through his presence and strived to attend family dinners, birthday gatherings, and support his grandkids’ sports games, competitions and school events. He will be greatly missed!

Neil is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Preston Gause and Betty Andersen Gause, and his wife, Shanna Lee Gause. He is survived by his children, Laura (Jonathan) Coleman and Eric Gause; his granddaughters Callista, Arya, Emma, Jessica, and Lilly; his grandsons Elijah, Jacob, and Ezra; his sister Wendy (Duane) Bates; his brothers Mel (Sherolyn) Gause and Kelly (Tammy) Gause; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held prior from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at the same location.