EDMOND (ED) HECTOR MCNEIL -

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

EDMOND (ED) HECTOR MCNEIL 1916 - 2005 On April 28, 2005, Winnipeg lost one of its True Patriots in the peaceful passing of Edmond Hector McNeil. Albeit sad to some who might read this or to the family and friends left behind to cherish memories of happier times, it is simply a continuation of Ed's journey. A man of great humbleness, extraordinary sense of duty to his family and community, strong moral fortitude, and belief in God dignified this fine man and represented the cornerstones of Ed's life. Jean, the love of his life, was forever at his side and his constant companion. The compassion and caring they provided each other over these difficult months was extraordinary and a testament to the sanctity of marriage. Boyhood friendships (Rob Sizeland and Howard Read) and a sense of brotherhood (Maunders and Dr. Donald) were instilled in Ed's very nature from the family's early days as members of Knox United Church and as a student at Daniel McIntyre High School. As so many before him, Ed took great pride in fulfilling his duty in supporting freedom as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force serving in England during the Second World War. For half a century following the war, he took delight in continuing to correspond with many of his fellow servicemen and the families he befriended while overseas. His business life flourished as an executive and partner in H.J. McNeil Fuel Company later to be named Wholesale Heating Supplies Ltd. By the time of his retirement, Wholesale Heating was Western Canada's largest heating, ventilating, and air conditioning distributor. Ed's commitment to his community saw him play an active role in the Holly Snowshoe Club, as a Mason with Northern Light Lodge, a member of Scottish Rite and Khartum Shrine. Ed was happiest, most relaxed and at his creative best at the cottage at Red Rock Lake. Wonderful memories of frolicking grandchildren and playful dogs, Trigger, Bonnie, and Buddy abound. For over forty years, the master of puttering took the greatest satisfaction in creating the perfect retreat. At the end, our family was fortunate that Ed was surrounded at his bedside by those who cared deeply for him and who he in turn loved and relied on. Ed is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Jean (nee Kerr); son David (Betty), grandson Bryan (Kim) of Winnipeg; son Jim (Wanda) of Calgary; grandsons, Jeremy (Cindy) of Calgary, Ryan (Saskia) of Edmonton, Andrew of Calgary; and brother Don (Mary Lou) of Victoria, BC; two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. As was Ed's way, he moved on in peace with all things organized and with the satisfaction that he made a difference in this world. Our family would like to thank all the health care professionals and providers who worked so graciously and compassionately over the past two years. Special gratitude to Dr. Fiona Crow and the Riverview Health Centre. A memorial service will be held at Thomson In The Park , 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg, on Wednesday, May 4 at 3:00 p.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, CancerCare Manitoba, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 02, 2005