HAROLD D. NEILL

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HAROLD D. NEILL December 17, 1931 December 12, 2008 Harold passed away at home early in the morning of December 12, 2008 with his loving wife and children at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Harold was born in Dauphin, Manitoba, on December 17, 1931 to Abraham Neill and Doris Spencer, the fourth of five children. He attended school in Dauphin and later began working various jobs before starting work with CNR. In early 1951, he moved to Winnipeg to start an apprenticeship with CNR as a machinist, a profession he continued until his retirement in 1988. It was while in Dauphin he met Mae Somers, a farm girl from Strathclair, MB. Mae eventually followed Harold to Winnipeg and they were married October 20, 1951 at Strathclair. It wasn't long before the five children arrived. Harold was always a family man, having decided to pass up promotion opportunities at work so it would not interfere with his family life. Both Harold and Mae were actively involved in the activities of their children whether it was volunteering with the Transcona Pipe Band, coaching hockey or taking the family on camping trips. Harold's greatest joy and pride was his children and eventually grandchildren and great-grand-children. He instilled in them values of integrity, hard work and attention to detail. Through everything he did, if it was to be done at all, it was to be done well. Following retirement, in the summer, he spent much time at his cottage at Hillside Beach and later at his cottage at Oakwood Golf Course. In the winter, he was an avid fan of the Winnipeg Jets and later the Manitoba Moose. Harold was also a founding board member of Park City Meadows Cooperative. He was known to be a quiet, supportive member of that community during the last six years of this life. It was five and a half years ago that Harold was diagnosed with cancer and he started on the long road of treatments. Through it all, even to the end, he rarely complained and faced all challenges with humour and courage. It was during his battle with cancer that his children and grandchildren decided to support Harold by racing in the Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival to help raise money for cancer research. During the last four years, Harold stood along the shore line cheering his family team. That team won almost every race and so far has raised $40,000. Watch for Myassa Dragon in 2009 carrying Harold's inspiration and spirit, and yes, Harold named the team. Harold is survived by his wife Mae and five children Bruce (Laura Poppy) Neill of Indian Head, SK, Lynda (Shaun) Parisian of Winnipeg, Kathy (Tom) Stillborn of Morris, MB, Doug (Lorrie) Neill of Winnipeg and Ken (Carey Duncan) Neill of Portage la Prairie, MB, along with 10 grandchildren Jennifer (Robbie) Driedger, Trevor (Kendel) Kinsey, Richard (Heather) Neill, Riley (Julie) Chambers, Erin Neill, Travis Chambers, Cory Neill, Jesi Neill, Alyssa Neill and Cody Neill and two step-grandchildren Kerri (Corey) Leeson and Craig (Becky) Parisian as well as seven great-grandchildren Kaitlyn Martens, Taylor Tysoski, Carter Driedger, Allison Driedger, Rylee Neill, Brooklyn Driedger, and Sydnee Neill along with three step great-grandchildren Tye Leeson, Tia Leeson and Cayden Parisian. A service in celebration of Harold's life will be held on Monday, December 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Transcona Funeral Chapel, 1800 Day Street. Flowers gratefully declined, those wishing to make a donation may do so to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9; attention Saint Boniface Unit. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the St. Boniface CancerCare and Palliative Care for their excellent care, compassion and support during Harold's difficult battle with cancer.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 27, 2008