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Obituary of Randy Neil, Leawood Kansas, Remembering Randy Neil: A Philatelist's Tribute to a Beloved Son of Philately
March 7, 2024 by Smart Robinson

Randy Neil Obituary, Death – In the tight-knit community of philatelists, the news of Randy Neil's passing sent shockwaves through the hearts of collectors around the world. Philately, the art and passion of stamp collecting, had lost one of its most cherished enthusiasts. The announcement of Randy's peaceful departure earlier today left the community in mourning, as fellow collectors grappled with the realization that they would no longer share the joy of philately with their dear friend.
An Irreplaceable Loss in the World of Philately

Randy Neil was more than just a philatelist; he was a beloved son of the stamp collecting world. His dedication to the hobby, coupled with his infectious enthusiasm, made him a beacon for both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. Whether sharing his extensive knowledge at stamp shows or engaging in lively discussions on online forums, Randy's passion for philately was palpable. The news of Randy's passing rippled through the philatelic community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from collectors who had been touched by his warmth and generosity. His absence leaves an unmistakable void in the world of philately, as fellow enthusiasts reflect on the impact he had on their shared passion for stamp collecting.
Fond Memories of Randy Neil's Contributions to the Stamp Collecting Community

Randy Neil's contributions to the stamp collecting community were as diverse as the array of stamps in his extensive collection. As a mentor to many aspiring philatelists, Randy eagerly shared his knowledge, providing guidance on everything from historical significance to the intricacies of stamp design. His willingness to assist others in their philatelic journeys made him a respected figure and endeared him to collectors across generations.

Beyond his role as a mentor, Randy actively participated in stamp exhibitions, where his curated displays often stood out for their creativity and educational value. His exhibits not only showcased the beauty of stamps but also highlighted the rich stories embedded in each piece of postal history. Randy's dedication to preserving and sharing the cultural significance of stamps made a lasting impact on the way collectors approached their hobby.
A Heartfelt Message from Randy's Family: Cherishing His Legacy

The news of Randy Neil's passing was accompanied by a heartfelt message from his wife, Denise Fouquet-Neil, who shared the difficult news with the philatelic community. In the midst of their grief, Denise expressed gratitude for the support and love that had already begun pouring in from fellow collectors. As the community mourns the loss of Randy, thoughts and prayers are extended to Denise and Randy's daughter, Merritt Neil. Their strength and resilience during this challenging time serve as a testament to the profound impact Randy had on his family and the philatelic community alike.

In the wake of this loss, collectors are coming together to celebrate Randy's legacy and the indelible mark he left on the world of philately. Plans for commemorations, virtual gatherings, and collaborative projects are already underway, ensuring that Randy's passion for stamp collecting lives on in the hearts of those who shared his love for this timeless hobby.

In conclusion, the passing of Randy Neil has left an irreplaceable void in the world of philately. His contributions, both as a collector and a mentor, will be remembered fondly by the community he loved so dearly. As philatelists come to terms with this loss, they find solace in the shared memories of a man who dedicated his life to preserving the beauty and history encapsulated in each postage stamp. Though Randy may no longer be physically present in the world of philately, his spirit and influence will continue to inspire stamp collectors for generations to come.

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Randy Neil, a lifelong native of Kansas City, is nothing if not a cheerleader for the hobby. A man of seemingly boundless enthusiasm and energy, he has played the role of innovator and booster throughout his 70 years in philately, particularly in exhibiting and publishing. He conceived, co-founded and led the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors in 1986, spearheading efforts to revitalize and revolutionize the field of exhibiting in the United States and effectively inventing the idea of the international single-frame exhibit.

Neil also founded not one but two of the leading stamp publications in the U.S. today,
American Stamp Collector and Dealer and Kelleher's Stamp Collector's Quarterly.
On top of this, his research and exhibit-building on the U.S. 2¢ red-brown of 1883-87
(Scott 210) established that "serious" philatelic work could be done with a cheap stamp. Neil is one of the few American collectors to have won Grand Awards in national competitions for both stamp and literature exhibits. He has held a number of offices including president of the A.P.S. and is a 2021 signatory of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists.

In a January [2023] phone interview, Neil recalled his philatelic beginnings. "When I was in fifth grade, I was given a stamp collecting kit for Christmas. I ignored it. Summertime rolled around and my mother got it out of my closet and opened it herself."

Intrigued by his mother's co-opting of his gift, he found his interest awoken. His father
ended up buying another kit for him and took him to visit all four of the stamp stores in Kansas City—in one day. The first stamp Neil remembers buying was a jumbo-sized commemorative from Ecuador. At one of the stores, he met the three philatelists who would become mentors: Tom Alexander, David Beals and Creighton Hart.

In 1955, egged on by a school rival, young Neil hopped a train to New York to attend
Fipex, the international exhibition at the now-demolished Coliseum. At the behest of Jacques Minkus, who was in charge of the youth section, Neil had entered his first exhibit: a one-page display of the 7¢ Liberty series stamp of 1954.

Neil began writing a youth column for the Weekly Philatelic Gossip in 1956, as well as a
column for First Days, the journal of the American First Day Cover Society. After attending the University of Kansas' journalism school, he joined the organization of the new Kansas City Chiefs and started their cheerleading program, eventually writing the Official Cheerleaders Handbook, a bestselling textbook. Neil's career also included stints at CBS and as founder of the non-profit National Film Society.

With his firm, Neil Print Media, he remains active publishing the Kelleher's quarterly, and is currently working on an exhibit of postal history related to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor