Neil Erwin McClain

Neil McClain joined his Heavenly family on January 21, 2025, his family by his side. He was 76 years old. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on January 6, 1949, to Sanford and Lucy McClain. Neil had 3 older siblings Leroy, Linda, and Robert, whom he loved to tag along with as a youngster. Sanford, a Navy man, took his family to Norfolk, Virginia; Long Beach, CA, and Eugene, Oregon. It was Oregon where they settled.

Neil made lifelong friends during those school years, and told numerous stories of life in Eugene, riding bikes into Fern Ridge Reservoir, sneaking his dad’s car out for the thrill, “cruising the gut” on Willamette St as a teenager. It was during those years after graduating that he joined the Navy Reserves serving as a fireman on the USS Alvin C. Cockerel.

During years as a young man, he married Jeanette and had two daughters, Tami and Amy. In 1980 he married Suzanne, and added Aaron and Krissie to complete his family. Neil studied for and earned his California State Contractors and Flooring licenses. He was well known and respected in his trade. Neil was the go-to guy for tough jobs. He worked in hard surfaces for 50 years, and later became an expert for the State Contractors Board.

In his spare time, Neil enjoyed collecting cars, boats, airplanes, and motorcycles. One of his first cars, an $8 Fiat began a journey leading up to his final bucket list purchase, a black BMW X5, and in between a collection of over 100 cars would come and go. Neil loved his vehicles, but he also enjoyed boating. All of his children loved their times skiing and wakeboarding, and the yearly houseboat vacations at Lake Shasta. Beautiful memories and hours spent together, as well as some harrowing adventures.

If Neil conquered land and lake, he would also find himself in awe of the sky. He earned his Private Pilots License in 1983, and flew family and friends throughout California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, and Colorado. He was a legacy member of the Oceano Pilots Association, developing more lifelong friendships. He especially liked helping runn the Oceano Airport Days. From there Neil was recognized as a devoted club member and joined the Sheriff’s Aerosquadron Search and Rescue Team. He was a skilled leader.

Another of Neil’s favorite things were motorcycles. He enjoyed rides with friends and the occasional Poker Run. He and Aaron spent many hours as a follow-team for racers on the Baja Loop at SCORES  Baja 1000 races. He enjoyed motorcycles so much that he partnered with his best friend to build up a motorcycle shop, providing reliable sales and service. They were natural friends, both loved scuba diving, airplanes, and motorcycles. Thus, Coast Riders Powersports became a common name in San Luis Obispo County.

Neil loved friends and family, always ready to guide and lend a helping hand. He was one of those guys you could count on. He was a family guy. He was a guy’s guy. He was a business guy. And he was good husband. He raised beautiful, loving, smart, and self-reliable children who will carry his work ethics and joy for life along with them forever.

Neil is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Suzanne McClain. As well as, his son, Aaron McClain (Kelcie), daughters Tami Johnson, Amy Brown, and Kristen Wagner (Mike). Neil was a loving grandpa to 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. And leaves behind his brother Robert McClain (Judi) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mac and Lucy, and by his brother Leroy McClain and sister Linda Wenzl.

A Celebration of Neil’s Life will be held Saturday, April 5, at 1:00, at the Oak Shores Community Clubhouse at Nacimiento Lake outside of Paso Robles. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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