Donovan Neil

NEIL , Rev. Dr. Donovan G.December 21, 1925 - February 18, 2016Our beloved Don, with his wife Rebecca by his side, died gently and peacefully after a long and valiant battle with cancer.Don was born in St. Thomas, Ontario to George and Esther Neil on December 21, 1925 and died February 18, 2016. The family moved to Chatham, Ontario where he and his brothers Earle and Jack grew up. Predeceased by his wife Dorothy, brothers Earle (Lanore) and Jack (Verna).Don served in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve (1944-1946) on the HMSC Matapedia. After graduating with a BA from Western University, London, ON, Don felt called to become a Presbyterian Minister, Presbyterian Church of Canada, and applied to Knox College in Toronto, ON, graduating with his BA (Divinity) in 1953. As an Ordained Minister, Don was appointed by The Board of Home Missions, to Assiniboia, Saskatchewan as his first charge. Don continued his education at Princeton University Theological Seminary, Princeton, USA, and earned his Master of Theology in 1958. In 1984, Don received his Doctor of Divinity from Presbyterian College, Montreal, QC.In 1958, The Board of Home Missions appointed Don to found a new Congregation in Hamilton, ON. Four years later, after much hard work and courageous knocking on doors, Chedoke Presbyterian Church was complete and ready 'for business' where it continued to flourish until the growing Congregation moved to a larger building on Mohawk Road West where it continues today. Don was very much loved by the Congregation in Chedoke where he served until 1976. He then received a call from Knox Crescent and Kensington Presbyterian Church, Montreal. After much deliberation and thought, Don accepted this call and he, his wife Dorothy, and daughters Cathy and Beth relocated to Montreal. Don was very much loved and respected by the Congregation of KCK and continued his Ministry there until his retirement in 1999, after which he was appointed Minister Emeritus. As Chairman of The Board of World Missions, Don spent time in Lagos, Nigeria and Guyana.Don loved and delighted in his Ministry and never had a moment's regret answering the call to his life's commitment. He loved people, and they in turn were easily drawn to him. He, of the handsome face and easy, sometimes caustic, wit; how we will miss him in our lives. Ah, if he only could have a good game of golf with dear friends at Kanawaki Golf Club for lunch, and of course, a wee dram plus a good cigar just once more. A lover of music and in particular, the old hymns which he missed very much over the last years, Don had one regret; those of you who knew him well will understand this: he wanted a voice... I'm sure he now has that voice and is singing his favourites in the Heavenly Choir. Perhaps, if we listen closely, we will hear!How I mourn my loss of you, Don. I have loved you, love you, and will continue to love you forever. There is an aching void in my heart and life which no one can ever fill. Your beloved wife Rebecca. 'September Song', Don, 'These Golden Days I've Spent With You'. Also left to mourn are beloved daughter Cathy (Jim), granddaughters Jessica (Josh), Rebecca (Brock) of Hamilton, ON; daughter Beth (Danny) and grandson Neil of Montreal West. Sadly missed by nephew Jack (Kathryn) and family, nephew Bill (Jonne) and family, from Nashville, TN, your beloved stepson Mike (Ingrid); dearly loved Grandpa Don to Kate, Annika and Kaileigh, who brought so much love, joy and laughter into your life, and you into theirs; Don's beloved stepdaughter Julie from France, EU, who will miss her Dandy Don endlessly. We all knew when Julie had 'arrived', no more afternoon naps. Each of you made Don's last Christmas so very special, travelling from Nashville and France, such long distances. He was so surprised and delighted. Thank you with all my heart; I will be forever grateful. Alice, dear sister-in-law and niece Glennis, of Perth, Scotland, you gave us such a wonderful time in Scotland. Don loved you and every minute of his first and only trip there, thank you. Rhoda (Harold), sister- in-law of Australia, we all had such a wonderful time on our trip to BC. Happy days, happy memories.Dennis and Margaret, a very special thank you for all the love, care and support you gave to Don and I for such a long time, and in particular, these past difficult weeks. Don really looked forward to seeing you, Dennis, and having a 'bit of crack'. Margaret, when I broke, you were there with me. Jim and Rosie (Murray) and Don (McLennan), thank you for your constant visits and care. You each meant and continue to mean a lot to Don and I. My warm and sincere thanks to Judy, Paul, Dwight, Lynne, Kay and others I may have missed who took the time to pay Don such welcome visits. Anthony, a friend for many years, Don always looked forward to seeing you with your gentle smile and warm personality. You never lost touch, thank you.In Don's last few days, he was mercifully placed in the West Island Palliative Care Unit, 300 Stillview Avenue. The love and compassion Don and I received by these beautiful people will never be forgotten. Should you wish to make a donation in memory of Don, it would be appreciated so very much. This may be done on their website as follows: www.wipcr.ca.A celebration of Don's life will take place at 12:00 noon, April 2, 2016, at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 70 Beaconsfield Boulevard, QC, led by Rev. Geoffrey Howard and Rev. Jack Neil. A small reception will follow immediately after the celebration in the church hall. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/montrealgazette/obituary.aspx?n=donovan-g-neil&pid=177828098&fhid=11436#sthash.N7sasSpq.dpufar : Collins Clarke MacGillvray White, Pointe-Claire, Québec.