William Edward "Willie" Neale

William Edward "Willie" NEALE, of Battleford, Saskatchewan passed away on Monday, November 8, 2021 at his residence River Heights Lodge in North Battleford, SK. Willie was born June 12, 1920, and lived to be 101 years old.

A graveside service for Willie will be held Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 4:00 PM at Willowmoor Cemetery, RM of Battleford, Saskatchewan, where he will be laid to rest, with Rev Sheldon Gattinger presiding.

Willie is survived by his daughter June of Battleford, sons Terry (Paulette) of Battleford, Cyril (Jill) of Abbotsford, BC; 2 sisters-in-law Sophia Parkinson and Winona Leite.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Doris (Leite) Neale; his parents Pearl & Percy Neale, sisters Violet Meckling (2016), Ada Smith (2008), Jessie Smith (2020), and Isabella Neale (1990).

Willie was born at C & E Laycock's farm (SE 3 42 16 W3) and raised on his parents farm (SW 4 42 16 W3) in the Eagle Hills School District of Battleford. He attended school via walking and riding horseback across country which was shorter than the 5 miles by road. He was late for school many times; lack of interest in school, combined with chores and many sick days for him and in the family resulted in him dropping out by Grade 7. He learned to ride horseback and work with horses at a very early age which he continued do to into the 1970's. His special horse was Goldie and then Sweetheart in the 50's and 60's. He purchased chaps from Fairhome north of where is grandfather W. L. Neale lived. They were passed on to his nephew who has since made use of them. Mixed farming became his livelihood retiring from it in 1997 when his son Terry took over. His interests were playing hockey at his uncle Roy's slough; Cameron, Gobert and other outdoor arenas where there was ice including on his own land with his sons. Curling and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in later years; in summer playing ball, community events, rodeos and dances.

In October 1947 he married Doris Leite and took over the family farm. At the top of this list were family gatherings, community events such as school functions for their children, and dances. To bring in extra money in the early years Willie worked in the Christmas season in North Battleford. In 1967 - 1986 he worked full time driving school bus for Simpson and Lane on the Eagle Hills then Garden Prairie route. Doris took the Hwy #4 shorter school bus route (1973 - 81) enjoying the chance to be part of the work force. They made many trips to Vancouver/Coquitlam, BC to visit Terry & Cyril and cousins and friends. In 1997 they moved to Battleford, celebrated their 50th Anniversary and settled in to coffee, lunches at local restaurants and family gatherings where Doris and her sisters, nieces, nephews and friends made music.

Moving to Meadow Sweet Manor they continued their outings with the added social events there of shuffle board, bingo, special suppers and entertainment. With Doris moving to BDCC in 2013 Willie found it lonely and more difficult to pass the time. He drove less and turned over the van driving to others. In 2017 Willie joined Doris at BDCC before she passed away January 2, 2018. In June of that year he moved to River Heights Lodge in North Battleford where he continued his outings on their patio, bus tours, car rides to the country and visits from relatives and friends. Through the pandemic and many times confined to his room 24/7 he stayed connected to June, Terry, Cyril and a nephew via the phone. His 100th Birthday was celebrated behind a window with his relatives on the lawn outside and wishes by phone to him.