Dr. Neil Kraybill Kochenour passed away peacefully on November 2, 2023 at  Banner University Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona. He was 82. Neil was born  on April 30, 1941 in Lancaster, PA. He spent his childhood years in Lancaster  graduating from Manheim Township High School in 1959. Neil was beloved by many classmates, and kept in touch with many close high school friends. He was a scholar, a leader, and widely known to many.

Neil was very athletic. As a child, he met Ted Williams, and as an adult, enjoyed  going to Fenway Park with his daughter to watch the Red Sox. Neil was on his  high school wrestling team, was football team manager, and swam competitively. Immediately following graduation, Neil spent a summer with three close friends camping, visiting national parks, and touring our awesome western territory. This trip sparked his passion for the West.

He went on to Cornell University majoring in mechanical and chemical  engineering. While there, he met his soulmate, Edith Osborne. They were both  leaders in student government activities and married in 1963. Neil graduated  from Cornell in 1965 and went on to Cornell Medical School, graduating in 1969. While at Cornell, Neil still had time for athletics and competed in the triathlon.

Neil did his internship and residency, specializing in OB-GYN, at Colorado General  Hospital in Denver, CO. After living in the mountainous surroundings, Neil moved  to Louisville, KY where he served in the army, doing his tour as a medical doctor in the University of Louisville Hospital. Following his discharge from the army, Neil  and Edie moved to Salt Lake City, UT where he accepted a position at the University of Utah Hospital, eventually becoming the Medical Director.

During his time at the hospital, he was able to go on sabbatical in London, England  to study. While living there, he and his family were able to travel throughout Europe as well as the former Soviet Union. Following the sabbatical, Neil and Edie decided to purchase a flat so they could return often to further enjoy all that London had to offer.

After returning home from England, Neil continued to work at the university  hospital, eventually becoming the Medical Director. In a notice to staff regarding  Neil's passing, the present Medical Director at the Utah University Hospital has  described Neil as "a foundational member of the University of Utah OB-GYN  department and beloved by many. He initiated the MFM (Maternal Fetal  Medicine – high-risk pregnancy) division and the fetal diagnostic center before these entities were common. This allowed patients in Utah to receive world class  obstetric care and improved the lives of countless people. Neil also served as the  medical director of the hospital during a time of tremendous growth and success."

After retiring and moving to Academy Village in Tucson, AZ, Neil worked with a  group in the community to raise funds and build two assisted living facilities. These two facilities enabled 55+ year old adults to stay within Academy Village as they aged and needed more care. Neil served as chief administrator for both  buildings for about twelve years.

Neil enjoyed traveling the world, one particular highlight being an African safari to  view the animals in their natural habitat. Neil also loved and appreciated the arts.  During his retirement years, he regularly attended concerts and theater. He  especially enjoyed an annual Shakespeare Festival and continued to challenge  himself intellectually throughout his retirement by attending science and  technology conferences throughout the United States. While living in Salt Lake  City, Neil became part of a very active book club. Even after retiring, Neil traveled  from Tucson to Salt Lake City to attend most monthly meetings. He was active in  this club for 43 years. Neil, always a scholar, most enjoyed historical books, but was happy to read whatever the club members selected. Additionally, he was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed fly fishing throughout the northwestern US and western Canada.

Neil loved meeting people and made many friends wherever he went. He was a  great conversationalist, knowledgeable in a broad range of subjects. He described  himself as a humanitarian.

Neil was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Evelyn Kochenour, and his wife of 44 years, Edith Osborne Kochenour. He is survived by a daughter Debra Kochenour of Seekonk, MA, a son Tim Kochenour of Bend, OR, and a sister Beth (Robert) Peirce of East Lyme, CT. He is also survived by a grandson Kevin Phillips of Boise, ID as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Donations in memory of Neil may be made to the Edie Kochenour Lecture Series,  PR18219-40165, P.O. Box 58006, Salt Lake City, UT 84158 (at the University of  Utah) or The Arizona Theater Company, P.O. Box 1631, Tucson, AZ 85702-1631.  Please share a memory or condolence to greenvalleymortuary@gmail.com. A  celebration of life will be held at a later date.