1955 ~ McNEIL ~ 2015
Posted: August 14th, 2015
It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Gilfred “Gil” Harvey McNeil on August 12th, 2015 at the age of 60 years, beloved husband of Rita McNeil. He also leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Julia McNeil; brother Tony (Diane) McNeil; two sisters Diana McNeil and Gail (Gerald) Oliver; mother-in-law June Judkins; brothers-in-law Bryan (Linda) and Wayne Judkins, sisters-in-law Connie Schlachter, Myrna Cecchini, and Terri Mazereeuw; three stepchildren Christopher (Katie) Kolody, Jameson Kolody; Sara (Valerio) Borchiellini, one granddaughter Leila Borchiellini; several nieces and nephews, and many special and caring friends. He was predeceased by his father Gilfred Earl McNeil. Gil was born in Wainright, AB and, as part of a military family, lived in various provinces while growing up. Gil was an avid hockey player in his early adult life and played for the Brandon Wheat Kings in Manitoba and the Butte Copper Kings in Montana. Gil loved the outdoors and was especially fond of fishing. Gil had a passion for the unique and unusual and appreciated a variety of interesting hobbies. Throughout his life, Gil enjoyed a variety of careers working with the fur trade industry and even a goldmine. Gil also worked in the energy and oil industries. He began his career as a Power Engineer with the City of Medicine Hat and was currently employed with Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL). Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, on Sunday, August 16th, 2015 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, on Monday, from 10:00 to 10:55 a.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated in HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 1451 Strachan Road SE, on Monday, August 17th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Philip Le celebrant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 – 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gil McNeil. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599
If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away.
Thoreau
The memory of “Gil” & who he was in our lives will be dearly missed.
I’ve known Gil my whole entire life. My Aunty Alice was previously married to Gil. I was just a little kid the first time I met Gil. He came to Winnipeg for xmas. I remember the whole family welcomed him and immediately like him. When I was a teenager Gil bought a lime green station wagon. That wagon took us to Calgary for my cousin’s wedding, to his Mom’s, brother Tony’s and back. We had a lot of good times in that wagon. Gil enjoyed taking his vehicles to the carwash and cleaning them out. He would clean every nook and cranny spending hours on his vehicle. He always used go to one particular carwash because they sold the tree shaped air fresheners scented like apples. It was the only place he knew that sold the apple scented ones, which was his favorite. He would clean those vehicles until they looked like a showroom car. Gil was one of the good guys. I have soo many memories to last a lifetime. I hope Gil is at peace wherever he may be. R.I.P Gill