Robert John Adam McNeil

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert (Rab) McNeil announce his sudden passing on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Rab will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis (nee Dutka), sons Rod (Nancy) and Jon (Marika Paauwe), grandchildren; Nathan, Madysen, Kayleigh, Jordan, Jaeya and Jadyn and younger sister Stephanie as well as many other extended family members and friends. He is preceded by his parents Robert and Angelina (Bob and Angie) and elder sister Joan.

Rab was born on March 4, 1943 in Vancouver, BC and lived his entire life In the Lower Mainland. He met the love of his life, Phyllis, at King Edward Adult Education Center in their Grade 13 year and were married on October 9, 1965. Together they had two sons, Rod and Jon. Rab and Phyllis lived most of their married life in Port Moody, BC until moving to Mission in early 2020.

Rab’s first job was working at his Uncle Jill’s gas station and auto shop Forum Motors in Vancouver which would eventually lead to a career in the automotive paint and body shop industry that ended with his own business. Over his career Rab, or Bob as he was known at work, was well respected and he developed many lifelong friendships.

Rab’s greatest joy in life was his family and he always strove to provide them with a life of memorable moments. As a family and with friends Rab and Phyllis enjoyed countless camping trips throughout British Columbia, including summer trips when the boys were young to Kalamalka Lake and many of BC’s provincial and federal parks and Spring Break trips in the camper to Manning Park to ski as they got older. Their love of camping was passed down to their children and grandchildren. Summer and Thanksgiving camping became family traditions enjoyed by all. In their twilight years, Rab and Phyllis enjoyed winter trips to Arizona and Palm Springs in their motor home with special friends Wink and Marilyn. Rab also took great joy in trips where he and Phyllis took the family to California and Florida to the various Disney Parks, Universal Studios and a memorable side trip enjoyed by all to The Daytona Motor Speedway. He will be greatly missed but lovingly remembered on future family trips.