It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. George Daniel McNeil on August 6, 2025, at the age of 76 at his home in Allegan, MI. "Dan" will always be remembered by family, friends and colleagues for his depth of knowledge and his unrelenting kindness and caring.

Born on September 16, 1948, in L'Anse, MI, Dan grew up the first son of George and Ruth (Bishop) McNeil on a dairy farm in Baraga, MI. He joined an older sister, Cheryl and later welcomed a brother, Michael. Dan was  especially proud of and honored his father, who served in the Marine Corp. and fought on Iwo Jima during WWII.

Dan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology from Michigan State in 1970 followed by an internship in Medical Technology at Blodgett Memorial Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. 1971 found Dan working as a Medical Technologist at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center. In 1973, he graduated from Wayne State University with a Master of Science degree in Medical Technology while working as a Biochemistry teaching assistant.

In Reno, NV, Dan took on a Medical Technology Instructor position at the University of Nevada from 1973-6. With higher aspirations, he decided to go back to school - this time at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno. He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree from UNR Med in 1980 and returned to Grand Rapids, MI, where he did his Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at Blodgett / St. Mary's Hospitals.

In 1984, Dan became a partner at Internal Medicine Associates of Holland, MI which later merged with Michigan Medical, P.C. In addition, he took on the position of Medical Director at Michigan Medical P.C. Laboratory in Grand Rapids (1988-2008), Freedom Village Inn Skilled Nursing Facility in Holland, MI (1990-2008), and Holland Community Hospital Home Health Care Programs in Holland, MI (1988 – Retirement). He ended his medical career as a Hospitalist at Lakeshore Health Partners in Holland, MI, along with a house call practice shared with his wife, Beth (NP). He retired in 2015.

Endearing thoughts of Dan from family members include: he lived with humility, never seeking attention or acting out of entitlement - believed in hard work, kindness, and treating everyone with respect, and he passed those values on to his daughters by example - a good man who cared about people and the world - the best and most caring friend a sister could ever ask for - very patient, great sense of humor - a skilled and creative guy who enjoyed remodeling and building things for both his family and others - a beautiful, genuine human being, so kind, compassionate, gentle, caring and loving, his smile and sense of humor will be missed - when my daughter was born and we found out that she had Down syndrome, everyone kept telling us 'I'm sorry, I'm so sorry'. Dan just said, 'I can't wait to meet my granddaughter'. We never forgot that his simple acceptance was exactly what we needed and what she deserved. When I look back on what should have been a day of celebration and welcome, I am so grateful there was someone who understood that and gave us, and her, that moment - his caring and personable self, his infectious active lifestyle and love of nature, and his wonderful storytelling and sense of humor - loving eyes, a big smile, and the best hugs, I always looked forward to those - compassionate, warm, funny and generally a great addition to a chaotic world, but the thing that has brought me the most joy is seeing how happy and loved he had made my mom - kind, caring and generous, he always asked me, 'what can I do?' which seemed to be his approach to life, as a doctor and a person, always ready to lend a hand - outdoorsy, motivational, positive influencer, but a terrible bettor – he made each one of his family members and friends feel special – Dan was the dad we all needed. I'm so, so eternally grateful that my kids had him and mom as their grandparents, and that they have his example of what a father and husband should be. I feel like we waited for Dan our whole lives and when he came we were complete.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Helen Darwin and father-in-law Robert Darwin.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Beth, daughters Elisabeth (Drew) Sinclair and Kathryn (Tim Castillo) McNeil, and stepchildren Tessa Assa, Ananda Scott, Ira Woyer and John Adams, granddaughter Emma Louise Sinclair, step grandchildren Tristan and Isabelle Scott, sister Cheryl (Richard) Strahl and brother Micheal (Debby) McNeil, sister-in-law Carol Dailey and brother-in-law Bruce Darwin and several nieces and nephews.

Twin daughters Lisa and Kathy were the love of Dan's life, and sharing adventures with them brought immense joy to him. Together, they climbed Devil's Tower in Wyoming and Grand Teton peak in Grand Teton National Park (accompanied by stepdaughter Ananda), shared white water rafting experiences and so much more. In 2022, Dan received the greatest gift of all: a grandchild. Dan's face lit up every time granddaughter Emma was near, and the first time she called him "Gramps" just melted his heart.

Dan valued diversity as a privilege and an opportunity that we should celebrate, and that inclusion of persons of all abilities and backgrounds enriches us. He also understood the value of information that is scrupulously and truthfully reported. He appreciated public broadcasting and supported WGVU for many years.

As a physician, Dan applied scientific principles in his medical practice and in his understanding of life. He enrolled in a clinical trial upon his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer that likely extended his life by several months. Dan was profoundly grateful to his personal care physician Dr. Corie Eklov, MD, for her persistent and successful quest for a study opportunity, and for Dr. Kelly Parling-Lynch, MD, of West Michigan Cancer and Hematology Center for enrolling Dan in the study and providing regular and compassionate supervision for the duration of his treatment.

Dan was committed to his profession, his colleagues, his patients, his family and his country.

If you would like to support Dan's convictions, please consider a donation to one of the following:

WGVU Public Media

The American Civil Liberties Union

In place of a public memorial service, a private family celebration of life has been held.