Neil was introduced to me at the National Ballet not long after he retired. We did not get to know each other and I understand from all the glowing testimonials from his Ballet family that this was my bad fortune. I send my condolences to Neil's family and friends. RIP

Dear Neil thank you for your wisdom and laughter over the years.  I will miss you very much.

So sorry to hear Neil has gone. I always looked forward to the National coming to town and wondering what crazy jokes (never the same one twice) and what fabulous whiskey he would bring to share. I always marvelled at his organizational skills. Seldom did we ever move a road box once it was placed, and he knew each show and its cues inside out. What a pro.
Cheers my friend

It will be difficult to imagine a Props Dept. without Neil.  The
NBC has lost a valuable asset and friend.

I am so sad to hear of Neil's passing-he was such a warm and generous human being. While I was a dancer with the National Ballet it was Neil who nicknamed me "Jivey" and he faithfully brought me a photocopy of the NY Times Sunday crossword at every Sunday performance. I always appreciated his excellent bear hugs and his sense of humour. Many wonderful memories! My sincerest sympathies to his family and friends.

Gosh, I am very sorry to learn this. Niel was a real presence backstage. He always smiled and ... I don't know how to say it best... but his "sense of duty" was so apparent and admirable. He was also able to pull off the most excellent 'stache. He was a true friend of the Ballet. My heart is a little heavy at the moment.... and that feels good. God speed, Niel.

When I came into Local 58 as a young person, Neil was one of the senior members who made me feel welcome and helped me learn. I have a great deal of respect for Brother Neil and will miss him. Not only was he a great stagehand (forgetting more than I will ever know), but he also told a hell of a joke. RIP Neil! Chris

Good bye my pal. Safe journey
to your resting place. Bubba

Our sincere condolences on the sad loss of a great man. We will miss his Friday visits along with  his great humour. A wonderful person liked by all.
Martin McSkimming , Management and Staff
Hemingway's Restaurant  Yorkville Toronto.

I first worked with Neil in 1976 and shared 29 years on tour with him and the National Ballet of Canada. We had many great meals, great bottles of wine some great scotch. Neil was fun loving, intelligent, caring and a good friend to many. A person you could count on all  time and he loved being a Stage Hand  in Local 58.  To his brother Colin, niece  Shona and all his family members - All our Love - John and Carole Alexander

Sending my deepest sympathy to the family and friends. I am saddened by this news. Neil was loved by many many people as he brought so much joy into each of our lives. He will be greatly missed but always present in our hearts. A life well lived...enjoyed...shared...loved.

Very sad to hear this news, my condolences to his family and friends.
Echoing what others have said, I'll always remember his super pre show hugs, big tight squeeze, legs dangling, and giggling all the while (me, not him)....remembering him with a smile on my face, truly unique, Neil will be missed!

It is a special loss for me. I apprenticed with wardrobe and the back stage crew for the first 6 months of my years with the company as my dancers contract was not ready till the spring. Neil taught me so much in that six months and it still carries through with me even to today. 

Sean Boutilier

So many memories of this extraordinary man whose heart was as big as his physical presence. Will never forget his hearty greetings, big hugs and that wonderful smile. Rest in peace,dear Neil!

I remember Neil from 35 years ago when i was in the national ballet.Such a nice sweet man! Rest in peace.   Victor Edwards

Neil, your mustache cup will forever hold a place of honour at the ballet shop.
My memories of you will hold a place in my  heart.

Neil, your mustache cup will hold a place of honor at the ballet production shop, as my memories of you will hold a place in my heart.

He was like having my Dad on tour with me when I was a young apprentice. Protective and funny. Guess God needed a stagehand to help with Deus Ex Machina. He's got one of the best.


Sorry to hear about Neil. In my 17 years at the National Ballet I especially remember the great fun it was to be with him on tour in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Bob Johnston

Such sad news to hear of Neil's passing. Backstage, I always looked forward to his bear hugs and jokes to get me in a great mood before shows. Thanks for your indelibly wonderful presence Neil.

Please accept my condolences on your loss. He was touring with the ballet long before I was privileged to meet him in 1981, He was a friend and a mentor , and an amazing person who loved and shared his love of life- all of it! I feel like everyone who knew him- a huge loss! It's so like him to slip away, without making a fuss! There weren't many women when I started so when he picked me up - I'd return the favour- and we'ed laugh! Thanks for all you shared! ( NAC Ottawa)

Dear Neil, thank you for our jokes before the show to make us laugh and relax us a bit. Also the famous pickup hug and holding our arms up in the wings so we could catch our breath quickly and go back out. You were one of a kind and I'm sure they are enjoying your company up there already.With fond memories and love. Vanessa Harwood.NBoC

So sorry to hear this news. He truly did give the BEST HUGS ever. RIP Neil. Your kind smile will always be remembered.

The best one-liners backstage and one of the hardest working and caring individuals I have ever met. RIP

Neil always spread such warmth and welcome!He is what made backstage feel like home!He made indelible memories on my heart!Perhaps gone but never forgotten!

What sad news. Neil was always there. Always. But no memory of touring would be complete for me without the picture I have of Neil happily sitting in an Italian piazza, in a restaurant  on a day off, being waited on and indulged by proprietor and staff, and soaking up every bit of the sound, taste and ambience of the moment. He was, I believe, in heaven on earth then. My hope is that he is as happy and contented now. AND wearing  his kilt!!

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Neil. We worked together for over 25 years when he would come the the National Arts Centre in Ottawa with the ballet. He could always make me laugh until I cried. He will be dearly missed but remember for a very long time. Mark Hollingworth

I was so, so sad to hear of Neil's passing. I never went on stage without Neil lifting me up and giving me a "shake" for good luck... even when I came back to the Queen in Sleeping Beauty and wore that very costume! Best of all... I got that same hug and shake when we met in the grocery store...to the dismay of the shoppers!! Oh, how he will be missed by generations of Natl Ballet dancers! We loved you Neil.. rest now in peace! Linda Maybarduk

Very sorry to hear the news. I have such fond memories of Neil, he always made us dancers smile!  My condolences to his family, may he RIP.  He was a kind man.

Such a lovely man, Neil will be missed by all who knew and loved him. RIP, dear Neil. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and closest friends.

In the middle of a long bus tour Neil could always come up with a cheery one-liner and a big hug. He was definitely a good man.

Such a National Ballet treasure. RIP Neil.

So sorry to hear this. I met Neil in 1969 when I first started at the National Arts Centre and he was touring with the National. He taught me a huge amount of stagecraft over the years and was one of those backstage characters that make working in the performing arts so much fun! He will be missed and I shall always look up at the wall Stage Right in Southam Hall where his name is posted as Touring Propman for the NBC when they opened the Centre in 1969. RIP Neil and hopefully there is a cold pint wherever you land.

Rest in peace, sweet Neil. Always there for an enormous bear hug. He will be missed.

We will miss Neil very,very much. I always had a great time working with Neil at the ballet. David [ D.R. ] Roberts & Nancy Hayman.

So sorry to hear of Neils passing. My condolences to his family. Was always a treat whenever he was in Ottawa with the ballet. There was no other like Neil.

Rest in Peace Neil  I shall miss our conversations every Friday

Desmond Harte

How sad it was to hear of the passing of Neil !  Having worked with him for so many years with the National Ballet of Canada,  the memories are countless...both professionally and personally. A truly 'Great Guy" !
Charles Kirby.

I had the pleasure and honour to work with Neil many years ago on the National Ballet tour.
I had known Neil, years before, when he came through Montreal, on tour. We knew him as Foo!
His love of Chinese cuisine is what probably made us become good friends. I was always amazed at the ease, he could order a meal in Cantonese, even astonishing the waiters! Every city we played in, he would always suggest Chinese. 
Farewell Foo! I will always remember the good times we shared. Goming

I had the honour of working with Neil on the road...and in many of our local theatres for over 30+ years... 

He was always the gentleman's gentleman...and his stagecraft skills were beyond reproach.. 



Rest in peace my friend... 

P. Roche Cathers

We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences, we knew Neil for many years while working with him at the NBOC.  Mary Jago-Romeril Nigel Romeril

OBITUARY

Neil Stewart Fennell

7 October, 1935 – 24 April, 2015

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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