Culver City Observer -

Neil Thomas Massie, age 78, passed away peacefully in Danbury Connecticut of natural causes. Neil was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the oldest child of Philip Edwin and Gladys Ruth (Semler) Massie and had five siblings, Kate, Ann, Jane, Hugh and Raechel. His father’s service in WWII led the family on frequent relocations before settling in their permanent home in Culver City, California.

Neil was a good big brother and was there for his family when needed. Neil loved playing and singing music and learned to play guitar in his early teens and later also played the banjo, mandolin, and ukulele.

Neil had several very close friends in high school who would often spend endless hours hanging out at the Massie house. Neil was gifted with a sense of humor and quick wit, which was enjoyed by his family and friends.

Neil graduated from Culver City High School prior to serving two years in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Japan. Following his military service, he returned to the Los Angeles area and in 1965 enrolled at UCLA, where he graduated from with a bachelor’s degree in History followed by a Master’s degree in Information Science. During this time, he also managed the College Book Company in Westwood where he met his future wife, Linda Berman. Neil and Linda were married in Brookline, MA on August 10, 1969, then moved back to West Los Angeles where Neil continued his studies at UCLA.

Neil accepted a position with IBM in New York in 1972, when he and Linda moved to the East Coast. Neil spent his career at IBM, and after retirement continued as a consultant, training personnel in the U.S. and abroad in his field of expertise.

One of Neil’s happiest days was when he and Linda brought home their son, Kevin Michael Massie, in April of 1983. Neil loved being a dad and was very proud of every milestone in young Kevin’s life. Neil was a great father, mentor and role model to Kevin and his friends while they were growing up, often taking them to their sports practices and games. Neil and Kevin shared a close and loving relationship throughout their lives as shown by the care and attentiveness Kevin provided during Neil’s later years.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Ann Copeland.

Neil will forever be remembered and missed by his son Kevin, his wife Linda and his Massie siblings: Kate Willis, Jane, Hugh, and Raechel, and his nieces and nephew.