Chamberlin Wayne Neff

Chamberlin Wayne Neff passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024 in Taylorsville, Utah. He was born on February 7, 1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is survived by his five children, twenty one grandchildren and nineteen and counting great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his dear wife, Joan Naylor Neff. It was only weeks since her passing on November 7, 2023. They were married 68 years and in those years they were rarely apart. Also preceding him in death are his parents, Eugene Jefferson Neff and Ivy Louise Chamberlin Neff, and his six siblings, Eugene, Ardis, Wesley, Francis, Richard and Jean. His grandson, Gabriel (Wes and Laura), and son-in-law, James Schwartz, also preceded him in death.

Wayne had an eventful childhood in that he moved frequently as his parents were mission leaders at the Hill Cumorah in New York and at Joseph Smith’s birthplace in Vermont. His family also lived in various places in Utah and California. During his teen years his family settled into East Millcreek where many Neff families lived and were established. He graduated from Granite High School in 1948. He started his college journey at University of Utah for a year before serving an LDS mission to Hawaii from 1951-1953. Wayne was drafted  into military service during the Korean War and served in the Army as a clerk at Camp Lewis, Washington and Fort Ord, California. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal in 1954. After his service he enrolled at BYU where he completed his degree in 1956. He began dental school at University of Oregon where he graduated with honors in 1960. He continued with a post-doctorate in orthodontics, summa cum laude, at University of Washington from 1961-1963. He began his orthodontic practice in Beaverton, Oregon that same year. He practiced there until 1999, and then had satellite practices around the Portland area until 2012 when he formally retired at the age of 80. 

Though his occupation was successful, his greatest joy was his family. He and the love of his life, Joan, raised five children: Lin (Carri), Wes (Laura), Diane (James), Jonathan (Susan), and Michael (JaNea) in the Portland area. They enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, golfing, and playing many other sports together. Wayne was an avid golfer as long as he played with his children. The family’s favorite place to go was “Tin Grin”, a small second home and farm in Central Oregon. It was our family’s sanctuary and playground. It was a blessing to our family.

Wayne was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many positions through the years. He served three missions: Hawaii as a youth, from 1999-2001 he and Joan served together in the CapeTown South Africa mission. They then served in the New York City South mission from 2002-2004. 
Wayne was a defender of the faith at every turn. A favorite scripture of his was “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ..” (Romans 1:16). He lived his life to serve God, his family, and spread the Gospel message.
Wayne, also known as “Opa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, was a sweet, special man who loved and served deeply. Aloha Oe, Dad.

There will be a funeral service, Saturday January 13, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the East Millcreek 1st Ward, 2702 East Evergreen, SLC Utah.