Neil Schnaible was born on September 7, 1970, in Lafayette, Indiana. He was adopted by Fred and Diane Schnaible and later moved with his family to Tucson, Arizona, where he spent much of his youth. Neil lived fully from the very beginning — playing soccer, golfing, skiing, hanging backstage with Mötley Crüe, and growing up under the desert sun. He graduated from Santa Rita High School in Tucson in 1989.

In 1993, Neil moved to South Lake Tahoe to pursue his dream of becoming a ski bum — a role he embraced wholeheartedly. He loved skiing backcountry lines with his closest friends, sharing laughter and long days in the mountains. Neil worked as a valet captain at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe for more than 20 years.

In 2007, Neil was reunited with his birth mother, Jolene. Their connection became an important part of his life, and he deeply cherished the relationship they built together.

It was in Tahoe that Neil met his unicorn and the love of his life, LeeAnn. Neil and LeeAnn met in 2009 and spent every day since building a life together alongside their daughter, Hailee. Together they traveled the world, ultimately falling in love with the Aegean Sea and the climbing cliffs of Kalymnos, Greece. They returned year after year to spend time with one another and the many friends they made along the way.

Neil pursued a career in the fire service, graduating from LTCC in 2016. He worked for Fallen Leaf Fire before being hired by Lake Valley Fire Protection District in 2019. His passion for service and helping his community pushed him to continue his education and become a firefighter-paramedic.

Neil loved being a firefighter and deeply valued the camaraderie of his brothers. He was also a mentor to many entering the fire service, especially those pursuing firefighting later in life.

On May 1, surrounded by his department, Neil was promoted and pinned as Engineer by his wife, LeeAnn. He passed away on May 4, surrounded by those who loved him.

Neil will be remembered for his passion for the outdoors, chasing pow lines, his infectious smile, his humor, mentoring those around him, and being a loving husband and father. His spirit can be found on every summit, every trail, every green, and every climbing route.

Neil is survived by his wife, LeeAnn; his daughter, Hailee; his mother, Jolene; his sister, Mia; and his dog, Endo.