Neil Kruper

Neil will always be deeply loved, never forgotten by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Thelma (Honey-Bunny), who he was devoted to for 65 years; daughter Kathy (Tom) Sime; son Craig Kruper; grandson Bradley Sime (Jennifer Colbeck), granddaughter Laurel Redfern (Jason); his two great grandchildren Caspar and Gretel Colbeck-Sime, and many nieces and nephews.

Neil was born on Edmonton’s southside, seventh in a family of nine children. He is survived by one , Frances (Don) Murray, of Edmonton. He had such fond memories of growing up in a large family and loved sharing them with us. Neil was the best storyteller and always had a tale to tell.

At the age of 17 Neil joined the Navy and told us he was the youngest sailor on the HMCS Moonbeam, a fuel oil carrier. He served as a stoker first class for two years and those years were always recalled with such pride and clarity. Neil was a decorated war veteran and donned his medals proudly every year on Remembrance Day. It was a great honour for him to be invited to speak at last year’s ceremony at Hardisty Care Centre where he had lived for the past two years.

Neil’s life-long passion for cars led him to a career in the automotive retail industry. He started working at Hood Motors, which later became Don Wheaton’s Chev Olds in 1961 when it was purchased by Don Wheaton. Neil worked there until his retirement in May 1986 as Fleet Manager. He had a true gift for connecting with people and that combined with his love of cars made for a highly fulfilling career.

In Neil’s retirement years, he had more time to devote to his favourite things and family always came first. He always made us feel cherished, important, and safe, and called us his beautiful family. We thank him for instilling so many qualities in us. He was solid and hardworking, honest and just, gentle and fair, although he would say he was just an ordinary guy.

As a grandfather, he was adored by his grandchildren and attended every single event that they were involved in. He quickly became a permanent fixture at everything from hockey games, to swim meets, to school concerts, and more. He considered their activities to be part of his social life. Neil has played a major role in their lives and his love will remain with them always.

Neil was an avid golfer and enjoyed teeing off at many of Alberta and BC’s finest golf courses. He was a member of the Leduc Golf and Country Club and played many rounds of golf there well into his 80’s. He even joined Grant Fuhr and Craig Muni (former Edmonton Oilers) at the Kananaskis Golf Course for a round of golf in 1989. Neil and Thelma enjoyed many road trips in their GetAway van exploring golf courses near and far.

Neil was meticulous his whole life and attention to detail was important to him. Anyone who knew Neil could attest to this just by the way he polished his beloved 1982 white Oldsmobile Royale Brougham and his 1986 Chev GetAway van. From his golf clubs to his lawn mower, to his clothes and his appearance, everything had to be just so. Perhaps this was a result of his Navy days.

For the past two years, Neil has lived at the Hardisty Care Centre here in Edmonton. Our family would like to express our profound gratitude to the staff. Your respect and kind competent care of Neil was evident each time we visited and your care for us as a family was always reassuring. We know you loved him too.

Neil had a kind word for every single person who crossed his path every single day. He made this world a better place and he made us better people. Please take time every day to honour Neil’s Memory by making someone feel special.

Neil was a beautiful soul and he will be greatly missed by so many.

Cremation has taken place. Donations in tribute to Neil may be made to Operation Friendship Seniors Society, an organization both Neil and Thelma volunteered with, or any charity that is meaningful to you.