MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The family of Leonard Neft invites community members to a celebration of his colorful life on Saturday, Dec. 12.

The service will be held beginning at 11 a.m. at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, 21396 Highway 175 in Middletown.

Rev. James McSweeney will officiate.

Neft, a retired journalist living in Anderson Springs, died trying to escape the Valley fire in early September. He was 69 years old.

In celebration of Neft's life, those planning to attend the Saturday service are asked to wear something colorful.

Following the service there will be an “after party” at the Middletown Lions Club community center, 15399 Central Park Road.

A meal of Mexican food will be catered by the Rosales family, with both meat and vegetarian options available.