While we were saddened to learn of Neil's untimely passing, we were blessed to be able to watch his funeral service on-line and to feel included in his farewell.  We clearly remember our first meeting in 1996 at Puaikura Lodges in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, spending three hours in the swimming pool just chatting and becoming like old friends. Following that was our visit to Canada in 1998 and your meeting us at Vancouver Airport, taking us to Port Alberni to meet your lovely family. Highlights of that visit were waterskiing on Sproat Lake, driving Neil's van on the wrong side of the road (first time for us right hand drivers), catching our first salmon at your floating cabin, visiting Tofino, and seeing our first bear. A short time later we loved having you stay with us in New Zealand, and then later co-incidently meeting up again in Perth, Western  Australia.  Over the years since we have had pleasure in following your various trips, particularly those regularly to Mexico. Lots of love and sympathy from our family to you and yours, Ann and Bill. New Zealand.

Dearest Neil, One never wants to write these kind of notes, to people we love! You are part of my first family, having met you, when I was eight years old. Connected through family members united in marriage, you were like a brother to me Neil. Although distance separated us, when you moved to Port, you were always thought of fondly.  We were ever so glad to reunite with you and Carol, when we ourselves moved to Port, four years ago. At dinners and happy hours, we chewed the fat about days gone by, lifted a glass or two of your homemade Wine, oogled over our veggie gardens, tasted new leaves on many, chatted over the compost & marvelled in the Greenhouse about your well tended bounty. Grateful to have spent quality time with you Neil, I endured your teasing with joy and will miss your welcoming smile and hugs. I take comfort in knowing you are in Gods memory and hands Neil. 
Love and Hugs, Donna Milsted.

There are people you meet in life that matter, and our friend Neil is numbered among them. A gregarious warm soul with a heart as big as all outdoors. He loved life and enjoyed it to the full. We were privileged to enjoy his company in many places but our favourite was listening to his “stories” while drinking his rhubarb wine at the cabin. We will miss, but not forget you Neil, your memories last forever. 

Just one of so many sweet memories of Mexico with everybody. 

Sending loving wishes to the family may he rest in peace


There was always a hand shake greeting and a hug good bye when we visited weather it was for dinner or happy hour. I will always remember Neil standing proud with a big smile and a glass of wine saying . I’ve had a great life. 
Love and hugs John 

Neill I’m going to miss you neighbor. I always enjoyed our visits across the street. Thank you for keeping watch and your generosity. My condolences to family. 

I was very sorry to hear about Neil's passing. Last year I reconnected with Neil after many years. I met up with him and Norm Poirier last spring. And was looking forward to doing it again.
Neil and I were best friends in the 60's before the family moved back to Vancouver. My favorite memory was when we were kids we were at the school grounds at Smith Memorial one night and were kidding around throwing rocks at each other, Neil hit  each on the forehead with a rock and I I was bleeding pretty bad. So Neil and I walked over to the hospital and a doctor stitched me up then we went home. Neil apologized to my Mom for hitting me with a rock , but it really was no big deal. I still have the scar to remind me of Neil. Once again please pass on my condolences to all the family. SincerleyBob Quesnel

Uncle Neil was my "cool" uncle, their home was my refuge in Port Alberni and I loved spending time at the ski club in summer as a child.  I cherish all the times we got to spend together and the love and humour shared.  We visited them yearly in Mexico and on one occasion Uncle Neil boasted that his massage place was better and cheaper than  "Lupita" who came to the complex for the ladies massages.  I made a promise that I would go to Neil's massage parlour to try it out.  Uncle Neil made the appointments and of we went to Bucerias for the afternoon.  When we go to the appointment place they brought us right in for our "couples massage".  I thought Uncle Neil was going to have a heart attack right then.  We quickly sorted out that the appointment was for two separate massages but what a laugh we had.  After the two of us went for lunch.  In Savard fashion we shared one meal and one beer.  It was a great day. 

Neil was a good Neighbor to have down at the Float cabins.
Always enjoyed conversing and trading fish reports.
Condolences to the Savard Family.

OBITUARY

Neil Savard

25 April, 1944 – 22 June, 2020

Chapel of Memories Funeral Directors

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