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NEIL MCTAVISH Obituary pic NEIL MCTAVISH Obituary pic

NEIL MCTAVISH

Born: Sep 28, 1937

Date of Passing: Jul 07, 2015

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NEIL MCTAVISH On July 7, 2015, in his 78th year, Neil passed away at the McCreary / Alonsa Personal Care Home. He suffered with Vascular Dementia. Neil was born in Plumas, MB September 28, 1937, the youngest child of William Angus and Edna Mary McTavish. Neil was predeceased by his parents, sister June McTavish, brother Bill McTavish, and sisters-in-law Elinor McTavish and Bernadette Stavechny (of France). He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lorraine, his sons and grandchildren: Neil (Lisa), Jinty and Briagha; Bill (Gisela), Aliya, Quinn, and Will; Bruce and granddaughter Stella; and daughter Laura (Mike) Elliott; brother-in-law Brian Stavechny, niece Arwen MacDonell, and nephew Jean-Nicholas Stavechny. Neil spent his early years in Plumas, MB. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1950 where he went to Luxton School and St. John's Tech. Neil had an adventurous spirit and had three careers in his life. After graduating from St. John's Tech he went to Normal School (Teacher's College) and began teaching at Lord Wolseley School in East Kildonan where he taught for five years. He and Lorraine, also a teacher, went to Arctic Quebec to teach the Inuit for three years. After coming back from Quebec, Neil decided to enroll in the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba. Neil practiced law for 25 years in Winnipeg on Pembina Highway near Jubilee Avenue. In 1984, Neil and Lorraine went into business. They redesigned, renovated, and operated McTavish's Wasagaming Lodge and Ice Cream Parlour from 1984 to 2014 in Riding Mountain National Park. They also started a take-out chicken business, Bar-M-Grill (now Barnaby's) and rejuvenated and ran the Southgate Motel and Bar for five years, both in Onanole, MB. Neil loved spending time with his family. In 1971, the family bought a cottage on Coney Island at Lake of the Woods near Kenora, ON. They spent many happy times there with family and friends. Neil particularly enjoyed boating, taking his kids water-skiing, and long conversations and playing his harmonica by the fire. Neil also was an avid curler and a very fine Skip. He curled at the Granite Curling Club for over 30 years in Junior and Senior leagues. Afterward, he taught his three young sons to curl and proudly curled with them on a team in the St. Adolphe Curling Club men's league and various bonspiels in Manitoba. Neil and Lorraine were grateful that they were able to spend many of their more recent winters with friends at their trailer in Indio, CA. In all, they were able to winter there from 1999 to 2013. Neil often said that he would never have dreamed that he would have been able to do so. He was so grateful for all the opportunities that life presented and all that he was able to share with his family and friends. His joy of life, sense of humour, and kindness will be missed. A Memorial Service for Neil will take place Thursday, July 23, 11:30 a.m. at the United Church in Meadowood, 1111 Dakota Street, Winnipeg. The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. L. Badenhorst, Kim Walker and the wonderful staff at the McCreary / Alonsa Personal Care Home for the outstanding, personalized and compassionate care provided to Neil over the last year. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to McCreary / Alonsa Personal Care Home, Box 250, McCreary, MB R0J 1B0, or the Alzheimer Society Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2015

Condolences & Memories (15 entries)

  • I am a cousin of Neil, Bill, and June McTavish. I am now married, the mother of three grown sons, and living in California next to Yosemite National Park. The last time I was able to travel to Winnipeg was during the Olympics in 1976. I lodged with June and Edna in their home in Luxton Street. During my visit, Neil and Lorraine took me along (with the Billy, Neil Jr, and Laura, and dog Caesar, Bill and Elinor, and June and Edna) to spend a weed on the island at Lake of the Woods. It was truly a magical experience! I learned to water ski (to the amusement of Billy and Neil Jr), Laura taught me the words to "O Canada", Caesar repeatedly absconded with my camera, and we strengthened family bonds. The stay at Lake of the Woods is a memory I shall always treasure forever! I have often regretted not being able to visit the lodge at Lake Wasagaming. At least my parents, Bob and Lorna Jacks, and I were able to visit with Neil and Lorraine during their winter stays in Indio. My deepest sympathies to Lorraine, Bill, Neil, Laura, and the grandchildren. Please know that Neil will always hold a treasured place in my heart. May our Blessed Lord grant you His peace and bless you with His comfort. Prayers go with you during this time of great trial. - Posted by: Linda (Jacks) Champion (Cousin) on: Aug 23, 2015

  • Lorraine and Family I was a neighbor and schoolmate of Neil at Luxton School, St.John's High, and curled with him occasionally at the Granite Club during those years. We lost touch when I moved away from Winnipeg, I think I met him twice during the time he was practicing law. He had a great career and a rewarding life. My sympathies to the family. Don Thompson, Toronto - Posted by: Don Thompson (Friend) on: Aug 16, 2015

  • Our sincere condolences to Lorraine and family on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. May the memories you have of him give you strength. - Posted by: John and Audrey Ewasiuk () on: Jul 26, 2015

  • Dear Lorraine, Neil, Bill, Bruce, Laura and families. As Neil's one and only articling law student, I am truly thankful for the trust Neil put in me and the opportunity he gave me to launch my career. He was a great mentor, and conducted his practise with a high degree of professionalism. His practical and common sense approach to problem solving was something that served his clients well, but more than that, he displayed the traits of integrity, dedication and drive which made him such a successful lawyer. Neil was able to get the best out of his staff and colleagues, and in my case, motivated me to always strive for excellence. I will always cherish the opportunity of working with him and having such a wide variety of areas of law to work in, which I believe has made me a better lawyer all round. Neil was always there to give you guidance and encouragement, and maintained a upbeat disposition for all, even in such a stressful job. More than this, Neil was a friend who allowed me to share in his joys of his family and especially our common passion of curling at the Granite where we had such great times. He was taken from us far too soon, and will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Bob Arthur (Colleague) on: Jul 24, 2015

  • we r so sorry to hear of Neils passing our sincere condolences to u lorraine and ur family. - Posted by: garry gunnarson (friend and construction manager of mctavish motel) on: Jul 22, 2015

  • Lorraine & family, So sorry to hear of Neil,s passing. You people had a wonderful full life together with lots of memories to cherish. I pray that you may find peace in knowing he loved you all so much. Please accept my deepest sympath - Posted by: Lorraine Kovachik (Friend) on: Jul 21, 2015

  • We were so sad to learn of Neil's passing. Lorraine and family our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. We have such great memories of Neil particularly our visit to you folks at Clear Lake in Riding Mountain. You both made us feel so welcome and Neil's knowledge of how to sell ice cream will never be forgotten. We will miss his stories, smile and willingness to help.He will be missed by many.Lorraine our deepest sympathies, hopefully we will see you in Indio. Dave and Marilyn Jenks - Posted by: Dave and Marilyn Jenks (Neighbours from Indio) on: Jul 20, 2015

  • My sincere condolences to Lorraine and all the family. Neil was a generous and wonderful neighbor in business as well as in friendship. Thinking of you at this time and often. Val Morrison Mooswa Resort - Posted by: Valerie Morrison (Former Neighbors mad business associates in Clear Lake) on: Jul 20, 2015

  • Neil and I met at Luxton School in Grade six. We became steadfast friends and spent many, many times together with mutual friend,s while hunting,camping, partying, curling,golfing,etc. As the years went by we drifted away a bit mainly due to the distances we lived apart. I will always remember Neil with fond thoughts. He was a true friend in every respect and will be dearly missed. Lorraine and family think only of the good times you enjoyed together with Neil. Rest well my Pal. Jack - Posted by: Jack Reay and Elaine Bolter (Friend) on: Jul 20, 2015

  • Our deepest sympathies to Lorraine and the entire McTavish family on the passing of Neil. My memories of him are from times I spent at the St. Adolphe ranch and at McTavish Lodge in Clear Lake as a guest of their son and my friend Bill. Neil and Lorraine were always gracious hosts and Neil was an excellent story teller, something that his children have inherited. I once helped with hunting down some nuisance magpies on their property along with Bill, however, forgot my glasses and ended up with a blue jay. I remember him letting me off pretty easily but it was one of those stories we chuckled about when we got together. Lorraine, you have a great family which has blessed you with a number of wonderful grandchildren and another on the way. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Love, the Howden family - Posted by: Andrew Howden and family (Cheryl and children Kate, Grace and Ryan) (Friends ) on: Jul 20, 2015

  • Dear Lorraine, Bill, Gisela, Aliya, Quinn, Will, Bruce and Family, Laura and Mike, Neil and family; We were so lucky to get to know Neil(husband, father,and grandfather). He always made us laugh and told great stories of his life and his travels. We hope that the memories you have will help you through this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy, Kilgallon (Bill, Patty, Aaron, Daniel and Jessica - Posted by: Kilgallon Family: Bill, Patty, Daniel and Jessica, and Aaron (In-law to Bill McTavish, and family friend) on: Jul 19, 2015

  • I am truly sorry not to be there, to offer my condolences in person. You are all in my thoughts, and I will be making a donation in Uncle Neil's memory to the Alzheimer Society. Much love, and heartfelt condolences. xo Arwen - Posted by: Arwen MacDonell (Niece) on: Jul 19, 2015

  • We send our sincere condolences to you and your family, Lorraine on the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. We were interested to learn of your (the two of you) variety of professions and passions, as we really just knew a little of your life prior to Indio. I know Neil will have touched many lives for the better in the course of his lifetime and will be long remembered for his finest qualities. Once again, we are sorry for your loss and look forward to seeing you in Indio this fall if you are able to visit. Sincerely, Garry and Marilyn Peters - Posted by: Garry and Marilyn Peters (Indio neighbours) on: Jul 19, 2015

  • From the obituary, it sounds like Neil lead quite a full and beautiful life! Love and blessings to all. - Posted by: Craig LaSuer (Pastor to family) on: Jul 17, 2015

  • Lorraine & family, On behalf of Carol and I as well as the members of the Austin-Healey Club of Manitoba, we wish to send you our deepest condolences on the passing of Neil. Our members that attended the numerous May weekends at your place in Wasagaming have many great memories of Neil and his constant smile as well as his readiness to help so our weekends would always be memorable ones. He will be missed dearly. - Posted by: Jean & Carol Caron (Friend of Neil & Lorraine) on: Jul 17, 2015

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