Obituary of Neil Morton Weiss

In the early morning hours of August 9, 2024, the world said farewell to a truly remarkable man, Dr. Neil Morton Weiss. Neil passed away peacefully in the comfort of his family's home after a brief and heartbreaking struggle with pancreatic cancer.

Neil was born on March 25, 1941, to Frances (Schanen) and Harry Weiss in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He would be the second of six siblings, including older brother Melvin, younger brothers Morris, Sam, and Stan, and younger sister Johanna.  Neil graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1959 and was a talented student, debate team member, and musician. He played drums and trumpet and performed with the Jim Sartoris dance band at various local gigs. He was a DJ on the local radio station and enjoyed the stark beauty of southern Wyoming as a Boy Scout. He also worked at the family business, the Rock Springs Hide & Fur, a scrap-metal and fur trading business started by Neil’s grandfather Morris Weiss in 1913, and now run by his brother Morris and sister-in-law Bernie.

Neil's journey took him from Rock Springs to the University of Colorado for his undergraduate studies, and then to the CU School of Medicine for his MD degree. Neil’s post-doctorate studies included a specialization in psychiatry, work at the state mental hospital in Pueblo, a smallpox research study in Madras, India, and an internship at Gorgas Hospital in the Panama Canal Zone.

Neil practiced psychiatry independently in Denver for forty-plus years, earning a reputation as a skilled, thoughtful, and compassionate doctor for people with severe mental illness. Neil very much loved his work, the challenging nature of it, and the important care he was able to provide his patients as they navigated some of life’s greatest difficulties. 

Neil's personal life was a tapestry of love and family. With his former wife, Dr. Carol Hauk, he raised two sons, Dan and Joey Weiss, in Denver, Colorado. A wonderful family life was infused with academic rigor, physical fitness, connection with and appreciation of the outdoors, art, and music.  The Weiss family vacations to the mountains or ocean were memorable times of adventure and togetherness.  

Neil's journey continued with his former wife, Daisy Berl, whose family warmly embraced Neil and the love he shared with Daisy for her children and grandchildren. A devoted father and grandfather, Neil was always ready to offer comfort to a sick child, join the ranks of carpool drivers, and to cheer on his grandsons Mateo and Dominic at their school and athletic events. Neil’s love for his family was evident in every action, every gesture of support.

Neil was also an extraordinarily avid reader and a decades-long patron of the famous Tattered Cover bookstore in Denver. He loved to read a wide range of books and periodicals, from emotionally charged narratives, to dense historical tomes, to the latest titles on health advice and longevity. Neil enjoyed a similar lifelong passion for music of all different genres. Music remained a constant source of joy and inspiration, with Neil constantly tapping along to the rhythms of jazz, rock, folk, and classical tunes.

Neil was known for his exceptional listening skills and genuine curiosity about the lives and struggles of those he loved. This deep empathy not only defined his professional work but also fostered a profound sense of personal connection with everyone around him. His warmth, acceptance, and easy-going nature made him a cherished brother, father, grandfather, friend, uncle, and cousin. While Neil could be openly frustrated by political injustice and human cruelty, his approach to discussing complex issues was marked by a commitment to understanding and hope.

After a distinguished career in psychiatry, Neil retired at the age of 80. In retirement, and with patient nudging from his grandson, Neil discovered a new passion for fencing at the Denver Fencing Center. At DFC Neil became part of a vibrant community, sharing his enthusiasm and energy with friends of all ages. Remarkably, he competed in a national fencing tournament just weeks before his death.

Neil was preceded in death by his brother Melvin (the late Marilyn) Weiss. He is survived by his brothers Morris (Bernie) Weiss, Dr. Sam (Diane) Weiss, and Dr. Stan (Debbie) Weiss, and his sister Johanna (the late Kerry) Richards, as well as an extended family of beloved relatives and friends.

Dr. Neil Weiss will be remembered for his extraordinary kindness, his unwavering dedication to his patients and family, and his vibrant spirit that touched so many lives. His legacy of empathy, curiosity, and joy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. As his sister Johanna writes, “Neil was so much like Mom. His heart was filled with adventure and sunshine and smiles. His hugs were so gentle; his words were so reassuring and hopeful; his visits were so cheerful. We love you, Neil.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Neil's memory.

Interment to follow immediately after the service. Please join us at Emanuel Cemetery inside Fairmont at 430 S. Quebec St. The family welcomes visitors for reception afterwards at 240 S. Monaco Pkwy #212, the Lex Apartments.