March 25, 1931 - May 3, 2024
In loving memory of Neil Douglass Harrison, March 25, 1931 to May 3, 2024.
It is with love that we say goodbye to Neil, 93. Beloved husband of Ann for 66 years - together through many adventures. His legacy continues as the much loved father of Diane (Malcolm), Beth (Tom) and Doug (Spring). He was grandpa and Abuelo to Deni, Syd, Sarah, Matt, Derek, and Danielle. Great-grandpa to Ben, Izzy and Easton.
Neil was born on the family farm in Stoney Creek, Ontario and ran it successfully along with a thriving florist business. Selling that business led to a career change where he became a teacher of horticulture and flower design. He developed deep relationships with his students, one of whom mailed him homemade maple syrup last season - 50 years on!
A move to Texas came next where he introduced hydroponic solutions to a preexisting farm and built a home designed for entertaining. Wherever Neil was, there was fun - you'd be sure to find a party. He and Ann loved to dance and most of their get togethers featured something active like twister, games of pool, card games and the like. Neil went out of his way to connect with the people around him. Some may remember his chest pocket notebooks used as conversation starters with essential details about his soon to-be friends.
A move from Texas to Costa Rica came next where he and Ann bought an old greenhouse and had soon introduced potted mums, poinsettias, and gloxinias to the local markets. With the new business running smoothly, he opted to turn an old rubber plantation into a multi hectare macadamia nut farm. Neil was never one to shy away from a challenge or interesting opportunity for growth or learning. Even in his older age living with Ann in the Comox Valley, he remained a voracious reader and sought out conversations with his grandkids and neighbours about their academic and professional interests. Folks in Comox knew him as the smiling guy who never met a dog he didn't like.
Neil was kind and gentle - a lover, not a fighter. A man who would make time for you and seek out ways to support you. He was a loyal friend - staying in close contact with his high school and college classmates 70+ years after graduation as well as many friends from Ontario and Costa Rica. He consistently sought ways to make people smile with his gentle humour often consisting of puns, personal turns of phrase, phonetically spelled rhymes, and simple yet impactful punch lines. He loved to share a laugh and loved it when others could get one out of him! He was an active, curious listener. When he asked a question, he leaned in to really listen to your answer. His interest was palpable and you knew he saw you.
Neil lived most recently at Comox Valley Senior Village with Ann before moving into long-term care there. Thank you to all of his caregivers and friends at CVSV who made his last two years so comfortable and safe. He will be greatly missed. We will cherish his legacy of kindness, honesty, curiosity, and gentle humour.
A gathering of friends will be held at CVSV Wednesday, May 15th from 2-4pm. Please join us and we'd love it if you bring a joke. Neil would love to have one last laugh with you.
Wee luv u Kneel and wil knot fergheit ewe.