Reginald Neil Challis

Peacefully, after a brief illness, Neil passed away, with his family by his side. Neil was born in Dugald, Manitoba to Lily and Reg Challis. They, along with his brother Bill, completed the family. In his early childhood, he had to deal with some significant health challenges. He overcame diphtheria which restricted his ability to walk as a young boy. His mom nursed him nicely back to health. As a school boy, Daisy the dog would often pull Neil and Bill to and from Dugald School. Daisy always knew where to go when it was time to pick up the boys. During high school, Neil lived with and worked for the Smith family as a farm helper. The Smith's job gave him a love for operating and working on heavy machinery. He did many various other jobs before starting with the Department of Highways in 1952. A year later, he met the love of his life, Patsy at Joan and Bill's wedding. As of this past summer, Neil and Pat had been married for 62 years! Neil and Pat became parents to Wendy and Doug. He was an extremely devoted husband and father. While living in Dugald, his community minded spirit had him volunteer as the Secretary Treasurer for Dugald United Church. He also served on the Dugald School Board as a Trustee. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1968, into their Beaverbrook residence. The sound of the church bells at Westworth confirmed to them that they had made the right decision to move. Neil was very actively involved at Westworth United Church. He was on their building committee and involved with them for decades. Neil also was a very committed member of Habitat for Humanity, volunteering with them for 15 years. He worked alongside President Jimmy Carter and both he and Pat won the Premier's award for volunteerism in 1999. Neil also lived and volunteered in Lithuania for six weeks doing work for the Defehr family supporting the development of an English Christian College. Neil had a long and healthy retirement. He travelled, volunteered and spent quality time with his family and friends. One of his last trips was to see the Panama Canal. He had always wanted to see this magnificent engineering feat. His ability to fix things was one of his many strengths. Neil helped Doug build his home in the country and even at the age of 84 was up a ladder and working! He even survived a lightening event while up on the roof at Doug's home - he said it tingled. Neil also helped Wendy remodel many of her homes and cabin over the years. Neil loved being a grandfather to Andrea and Jesse and later Casey and Sydney. The grandkids only had to say "Grandpa, the Dairy Queen would be nice", and he would happily oblige. He was thrilled to be able to hold his great-granddaughter Stevie in his declining health while in hospital.

The family would like to thank Linda and all the other nurses on the 2nd floor at the Victoria General Hospital. The entire medical support team there was greatly appreciated by our family. Thank you all so very much for the great care Neil received!

Neil is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Wendy (Gene), his son Doug (Eva), his grandchildren, Andrea (Mike), Jesse, Sydney and Casey, great-granddaughter Stevie, his sister-in-law Joan, sister-in-law Faye (Ken), brother-in-law Bob (Noreen), Great-Aunt Grace, and numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones. Pat would like to especially thank all their great friends who supported she and Neil throughout his illness.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Friday, June 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Westworth United Church on 1750 Grosvenor Avenue in Winnipeg. The Reverend Dr. Loraine MacKenzie Sheperd officiating. Flowers are respectfully declined.

A donation in Neil's name can be made to the Westworth United Church Building Committee, Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice.