On the evening of August 11, 2019, after a day spent surrounded by all of his family, Neil passed quickly and peacefully to be with our Lord. Neil’s early years were spent in rural Eastern Ontario, having been born on a farm. His parents worked very hard, raising seven kids, five girls and two boys on that farm. Neil’s father passed away when Neil was just three years old. Neil was predeceased by three sisters, Marion, Ethel, and Frances. He leaves behind two sisters and one brother, Muriel, Mabel, and Lewis. Neil was also predeceased by both his parents, James and Bertha.
In 1961, Neil enrolled in the military. This would result in a lifelong career of 32 years. In 1963, he married his first wife, Glady, and they left Canada the following year for a tour with NATO in Germany. After returning to Canada in 1967, they had their first child, Trudy, in 1968 and their second daughter, Jodie, in 1972. Within Canada, Neil served in several locations including Borden, Ottawa, the Queen Charlotte Islands (now Haidi Gwaii), Halifax, and finally Victoria.
Neil retired as a Master Warrant Officer in the summer of 1992. Shortly afterward, his wife Glady was diagnosed with cancer. After a long battle, she passed away in June of 1994. But God had further plans and, just when he thought married life for him was over, Neil met Tanga. Neil and Tanga were married in June of 1998. Neil was blessed with a larger blended family and leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Tanga, his daughters Trudy and Jodie (Willy), his stepsons Glenn and Dean (Trisha), his many grandchildren Courtney, Devon, Deanna, Bethany, Claire, Layla, Alanna, Cody, Joshua, KateLynn, Faith, Heather and Aurora, and one great-grandchild Avery.
Neil was an avid fisherman over the years, he loved catching salmon and halibut. Neil always had a project on the go around the house, whether it was building a shed, an outdoor office, simply maintaining something, or gardening. Neil was also an Amateur Radio Operator for many years. Due to his background in Transportation, Neil taught several people how to drive (not just his daughters) and this usually included extensive teaching of the mechanics of a vehicle before he’d allow anybody to get behind the wheel.
Neil had a deep love for the Lord Jesus and his church family. He was a very active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and served there for many years and in various ways. He was always ready to pitch in and help where needed. Neil will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
A special thank you to the Saanich Peninsula Hospice staff for their care of Neil in his final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Neil’s memory may be made to The Mustard Seed of Victoria, B.C.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Gary Campbell
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Paul Stoski –Joyful memories flood in when recalling Neil’s involvement with the Common wealth Games of 1994. Neil was directly involved when Sandwiches and refreshments were freely provided at “noon time”, to athletes that came over from the “Athletes Village”, situated at the University of Victoria. Ten days went by so quickly! Emmanuel Baptist Church, so generously, had offered the use of their kitchen and Gym. facilities. The athletes were very appreciative
of this “free Lunch” provided to them. Sorry to miss upcoming “Celebration of Life” Have a flight booked on Sept.12th.to Regina.
Neil was a wonderful and true friend, and we will meet again. ” Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”
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Jo-Ann Siska Dear Trudy and family,
I’m very sorry for your loss and am thinking of you. May your many happy memories of your Dad help you through this difficult time.
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Lesley House Dear Tanga,
You are in my thoughts very much. Neil was a good guy, always willing to help, give advice and share his faith. He was a good friend to my mother and I know that she drew spiritual strength from Neil during their visits. I will always remember his booming voice and larger than life presence. I know you are surrounded by loving people at this time. Love, Lesley
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Eugene "Ed" Weirmeir I, like others first met Neil during recruit training at C.F.B. Borden, Ont. in 1961.
Prior to 1970, Neil and I never had the opportunity to serve together at the same base again until we met where we had did our recruit training.
At this time either the years 1976 or 1977, Neil, Glady and I developed an interest in Amateur Radio operations.
Therefore for instruction we attended night time classes at Georgian Bay College located in Barrie Ont. and received our licence’s to operate Amateur Radio’s.
Our most sincerest condolences Tanga for your family loss. God Bless one and all.
RIP Neil.
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Michael & Diane Simmons Trudy, Jodie, Tagna and family,we were so very sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. Michael & Neil went thru Basic Training together and then we were posted to Soest at the same time. Spent many happy times visiting with Neil and & Glady. We always kept in touch thru the years and unfortunately this past Christmas due to health issues I didn’t get a card off. We are extremely sorry for your loss and keep you all in our thoughts and prayers!
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EARL DONALDSON My sincere sympathy to family and friends of Neil. Neil phoned me on a cold January day in 1961, and said we are going to Ottawa . I asked what for, and the reply was we are joining the Army. The rest is history.
I hung around with Neil’s younger brother Lewis, and Neil hung around with my older brother Carl. I spent a lot of time at the Blackburn home in Lanark, in the mid fifties, and ironically my mother and Neil’s mother went to the same church. I dedicate this poem in memory of Neil.” A Little Step Away”
To close the eye, to fall asleep.
To draw a laboured breath.
To find release from daily cares,
In what we know as death –
Is this the crowning of life
The aim or end Thereof?
The totalled sum of consciousness
The ripened fruit of love?
It cannot be, for works of God
Are wrought for nobler ends,
And those away continue on
In the hearts of kin and friends
I cannot be, for they live on
A little step away, the soul, the
everlasting life,
Has found a better day .“UNDER HIS WINGS , NEIL IS SAFELY ABIDING”
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Barrie Ford In 1961-I was in basic training RCASC 110 Platoon at Camp Borden-with Neil-I did not have any contact with any army buds-till by chance I went to a RCASC brunch first time “2001” -I found out Neil was living in Victoria —–I phoned on him on a Sunday—the first thing he said—-he rattled off my Reg number- SK102220…..he knew my number after 38 years—–as I live in Ladysmith BC–scant 50 miles from Victoria……..it’s been 58 years since we did basic training”
Condolences to Tanga and all the family—-RIP Neil…
Barrie and Nel Ford….
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Ron Regan Neil will be missed by all of his fellow Christians . He Loved the Lord Jesus and Jesus loved him.
We will miss Neil dressed and marching on Remembrance Day at Emmanuel Baptist Church as well as
his presence on Wednesday Bible study.
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Liesl Fulton Neil was a very kind and committed “horse grandpa” i have always marvelled at his love and support of his family. may he rest in the arms of the lord. he will be greatly missed and i send love and support to his family. He gave great kindness to me and he has forever left an imprint on my heart
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Debra & Steve Newson We were very saddened to hear of Neil’s passing.
We met him at Emmanuel Baptist Church and he & Tanga took us
under their wings and we became very good friends!
Neil had a great love for the Lord , family & friends!
He will be greatly missed
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Richard Pelletier Neil was a very sympathic troop companion. We met in Esquimalt and others military occasions. RIP Sir
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Ken & Hilde Pierce I am truly sorry to here of Neil’s passing, we had a really great talk a few months back when he asked me to hold the emails until he could deal with his new problem. I first met Neil and Glady in Borden 1970 when I returned from Germany. What a great couple, friendly and welcoming, we became friends immediately. We both went out and bought Moped’s together and signed up for a scuba diving course and dived often. We spent some really great times together and remained friends over the years, he even asked me to attend Glady’s memorial service in Lanark on his behalf. Neil was one of a kind and a true friend. My heart goes out to his family. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. Until we meet again; RIP Neil.
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Bert and Lorraine Kirkham A big man with a huge heart. To know Neil was to experience what could be accomplished for our Lord if we just pitched in together. Now he can continue the work in heaven.
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Mary Weller He fought the good fight well. I shall miss Neil very much. I will never make baked beans again without thinking of him. And Tanga,you were such a good and loyal caregiver. God bless you.
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Susan A. Montelius I am so terribly saddened at the news of my friend Neil Blackburn. We served together on The Queen Charlotte Islands (Masset). I was one of 10 Americans serving in the military’s exchange program. He and Glady were dear friends and I never forgot them. Neil went to great lengths tracking me down while I was in the service to let me know of Glady’s passing. They never left my thoughts and I had only recently managed to locate Neil again and chat. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends and to all who knew and loved this wonderful man.
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Angela Shepherd (nee Hellenius) I first met Neil in Haida Gwaii when his first daughter, Trudy, and I started our lifelong friendship. I will miss his “gruff” but loving presence. I was able to sense the pride he had for both his daughters while always having their backs. He was a stabilizing presence in rough water. He will be missed by myself and my family. Sad to see you leave us Neil but know that you are in his arms, his presence and a new chapter begins….
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Heather Ratz Dear Jodie,
I’m recalling, with fondness, all of the time I spent at your house during our “formative” years. They were good times and I’ll treasure them always. I’m sorry I missed out on driving instructions but I can just imagine how that would’ve gone! Your Dad was a good guy and he will be missed. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Heather xo
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Richard Fortin He was a great Friend and mentor, I will always have great memories of our time together, he made a difference and will never be forgotten. I am sorry for your loss Tanga, my condolences to you and your family. RIP Neil, keep the sunny side up and the shady side down, see you on the other side my friend….”Lest we Forget”.
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Anne-Margaret & Garry Dear Jodie and family, so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Jim Cameron Very sorry hear the news about Neil’s passing. I replaced him in Esquimalt when he retired. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. RIP Neil.
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Joe & Evelyn Thompson Joe and I are very sad to hear of Neil’s passing….Neil & Glady, Trudy & Jodie were our friends & neighbours in Masset for several years. Our condolences go out to his family and especially to Trudy & Jodie at this sad time.
I was saddened to learn of Neil’s passing. We served together at Esquimalt from 1988 to 1991. I throughly enjoyed working with him! My condolences to his family.