William Neil Blayney

William “Neil” Blayney

January 1921 – February 2016 (95 years)

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Neil, peacefully and unexpectedly at home. Born in Dublin, the son of William Blayney and Mary (nee Beveridge), Neil grew up in England. He was a true gentleman, a kind soul, always happy, very easy going and was a friend to all he met. He was a strong man, spiritually, mentally and physically and his wisdom and common sense saw him through to his later years.

Neil served with the British armed forces in World War II enrolling at a young age and remained in service until the end of the war. After the war he attended the Cambourne School of Mines in Cornwall, England and then devoted all of his working life as a successful mining engineer and manager of underground mines both in Canada, USA, Ireland and East Africa. Neil retired after his last position ended in 1982 in the Queen Charlotte Islands, BC. He was a member of the Canadian Institute of Mining and of the Council of Engineering Institutions.

Near the City of Mpanda, Tanzania, East Africa, working in a gold mine, Neil met his beautiful wife and lifelong partner, Raymonde, who was from Mauritius and taught Neil French. He also dabbled and had fun with the Spanish language.

Neil enjoyed some golfing, but was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting. Neil and Raymonde enjoyed traveling and RV’d in Mexico during many of the Canadian winter months. He liked books, music, Guinness and a good shot of Scotch. He took great pleasure in spending time with his children and grand children and was very sociable in nature and enjoyed having people around.

Neil is survived by his son, Patrick (Candace) Halifax; daughter Josee (Mike) Nesbit, Squamish, BC; daughter-in-law Noemy Lopez Blayney, Langley, BC; brother Gerald (Elizabeth) , Cheshire, UK; Sister-in-law Monica, Woking, UK; and grandchildren, Danielle, Parker, Neil, Noela and Liam, all from the lower mainland of BC. Also there is a long list of nieces and nephews from the Blayney and Mallac side of the family that live in numerous countries along with all of their children and grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife, Raymonde, son Paul, sisters Rachel, Eily and Maire, brothers Noel, and John, sisters-in-laws Pat, Mary and Gladys. Ten sisters and brothers-in law from the Mallac side of the family are also predeceased.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the family physician Dr. Valerie Ross and to his personal care giver and friend of four years Brenda Poirier. Also thanks to all of the staff at the Northwood Adult Day Program and the VON socials. A service and celebration of life will be held at the St. Ignatius Church in Bedford on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 3:30 pm.