NEIL COLEMAN

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NEIL COLEMAN May 15, 1940 - May 2, 2011 With deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather. Neil passed away suddenly while walking close to home with Marge and his much loved dog, Willy. Dad will be lovingly and forever remembered by his wife Marge (nee Hatch) of 50 years, daughters Angela (Dennis) Atamanchuk, Terry (Jerry) Comeau, and son Pat (Karen) Coleman. Neil has seven wonderful grandchildren, Todd, Quinn, Danielle, Madeline, Gabriel, Claire and Neil. Neil is survived by his sister Freda deBetue, brothers Si (Tina), Butch (Grethe), brother-in-law John (Inger) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by triplet sons, his mother Margaret, father Clifford, brothers, Lloyd, Bob, brother-in-law Gus, and sister-in-law Lynn. Neil enjoyed camping with our family but never missed a fishing or hunting trip to Roblin, Manitoba, where he grew up. Dad enjoyed a home cooked meal and just being at home after many years of travelling. He wanted friends and family to visit and reminisce about the good old days or stay over in the Coleman Hotel . When he was not walking Willy or cutting grass he was in his garden watching the garlic grow and waiting for the first ripe tomato. Dad worked with several companies in the heavy equipment business, retiring from Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers in 2000 when his health failed. When Dad was hired it was almost a prerequisite that employees play cribbage and that suited him fine as it was a game that he loved. He developed many life long friends among both his fellow employees and customers. He and Mom enjoyed many annual sales meetings and trips in various locations around the world. Dad will be sadly missed by his industry friends who knew him by a number of nicknames including Scrap Iron, Nine Fingers and ColeNealman. Mom and Dad wintered in Mesa, Arizona for several winters where they enjoyed many happy hours and potluck dinners on Manitoba Avenue with their friends. We will all remember his witty remarks, choice of language and his ability to put everyone at ease with his sense of humour. In keeping with Dad's wishes there will be no formal service. A celebration of his life will take place in late July for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Winnipeg Humane Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2011