Our beloved Neil passed away suddenly at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox, B.C. on Dec. 31, 2012, in the presence of his loving wife Margaret and Alasdair.
Predeceased by his parents Clifford and Meryl Chapman, brother Gordon, infant son Craig and infant grandson Shael, he is survived by his wife Margaret, brother Donald and his wife Isobel, Joyce, and their children Brent, Karen (Brian) Wood, David, Susan (Paul) Austring; stepchildren Fiona (Tom Broadley) and Alasdair Ring; and his beloved grandchildren Colter, Casey, Micah, Raya, Darryl and Gemma.
Neil was born in Saskatoon, April 6th, 1928, but soon thereafter the family moved to Regina where he had a very happy childhood and made life-long friends. The family loved to hear his stories of the fun and adventures he had with his brothers Gordon and Don, and friends.
Neil spent many years in Regina raising a family with his wife Joyce and working for Imperial Oil Ltd., Marketing Dept. He lived in Edmonton for some time before moving to Victoria in 1977 where he worked for the Ministry of Forests and the Ministry of Lands, Parks and Housing. Neil and Margaret were married in 1986 and retired to Qualicum Beach in 1993, where Neil had many happy years golfing at Eaglecrest, with old friends and new. In 2011, they then moved to Comox to be near Fiona, Tom and Gemma.
Neil had a passion for flying and earned his pilot’s license while working for Imperial Oil. To celebrate his 80th birthday, he had a flying lesson, flying above the shoreline of Qualicum, Parksville. He was an avid skier, a nimble Scottish country dancer, and an expert at growing roses.
…let the rose blossom each year for his sake. Rilke
Cremation will be followed by private family services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the M.S. Society.
With thanks to the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph Hospital, Comox.