Jeff McNeill, 42

Jeffrey D. McNeill, age 42, of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii and formerly of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, April 15, 2012.

He was born on July 10, 1969, in Kalamazoo.

He is survived by his parents, David and Geraldine McNeill of Bonita Springs, Fla., and Sturgis; a brother, Jay of West Bloomfield; an aunt, Patricia Judge of Traverse City; an aunt, Janis Canode of Alpena; and several cousins.

Jeff was a 1987 graduate of Sturgis High School. He attended Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University. In his adult life, he lived in a number of different places, but settled in the beautiful island of Maui, where he had lived the past 10 years. He was employed by a restaurant firm in Lahaina, working in maintenance and woodworking. It was there that he found his love for woodworking and became very accomplished in this line of work. He built the entire bar, tables and accessories for the Honu restaurant in Lahaina, that can be seen at www.honumaui.com.

Jeff was an avid biker, swimmer, surfer and runner, completing a marathon. He also had a love for yoga. He leaves behind his many friends and loved ones whose lives he touched with his smile, humor, genuine friendship and love.

Arrangements are being handled by Ballard Funeral Home in Kahului. Cremation will take place, and his ashes will be committed to the ocean that he loved in Lahaina, at a later date. A memorial also will be held in Sturgis at a later date as well.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the Aloha House at www.ballardfamilymortuaries.com, where friends may also send condolences.