Neil is predeceased by his parents, Eileen and Verdun “Star” McIlveen of Hamilton, Ontario. Neil will be greatly missed by his siblings, Dennis McIlveen (predeceased by Barbara), Ann Marie (Brian) Burnside, and Beth McIlveen Nobes. He greatly enjoyed and admired his sister-in-law, Barbara, and he has missed her very much over the past four years. Neil was very close to his nieces and nephews, Darlene, Linda (Eric), Suzy, Nancy (Philip), Casey, Brianne (Mike), Caitlin (Michael), and Peggy. Brianne and Darlene had special friendships with their Uncle Neil. And he was adored by Isis, Deacon, Serena, Finesse, Josie, Abbie, Kylie, Vanessa, and Natalie who are his grandnieces and grandnephew. In a lot of ways, Neil was a big kid himself, looking for fun and adventures.
Neil's life was filled with wonderful friends, many of whom he adopted as his family. He was loved and he will be missed by Bob and Lee Cooper and their families, his friend and “brother” Wayne and Debi Inglehart, as well as Nova and her family, Krista, Jenna (god-daughter) and Jack. Neil will be missed by many long-time friends, such as Larry Broughton, John French, Ed and Pauline Stavnitzky, Wayne Young, and by Joanne and Phil Beard.
Neil worked as an electrician and at Ford, until he pursued his true calling as a high school teacher. He was an amazing teacher who made important connections with students and who advocated for students. He was passionate about the students and staff at Barton Secondary School, where he made lifelong friends with both students and staff alike.
Neil is well-known as a coach of basketball, soccer, football, track & field, and many other clubs and activities associated with schools, and at the city, regional and provincial levels, He celebrated athletes and their successes, both large and small, just as he celebrated their contributions to their families and their communities. He prized loyalty and good character.
Neil wove himself into our hearts, as he wove and crafted his many stories and tales. He was an enthusiastic and expert storyteller, with an amazing historical knowledge, and a deep understanding of the world around him. Amazingly, his narratives and memories could build, grow, and change, with each of the tellings! He could be opinionated, infuriating, and stubborn - but never hurtful. He was informative and always delightful.
He loved his family and friends, and he found ways to enjoy everyday activities, travelling, and wonderful adventures with them. Many of his happiest memories were at the cottage on Georgian Bay, where he entertained family and friends with magic tricks, waterskiing, creative stories, games, boat trips, and endless car rides. He truly was “the entertainment.”
Neil loved dining out, and travelling, and talking to his friends on the phone. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending his winter months in Florida, where he could enjoy being with family and friends. Neil was a dedicated North Carolina University basketball fan! His friends and family were swept up in his enthusiasm for his Tar Heels basketball teams. (Go, Heels!)
Neil was generous with his resources and time. Over the years he helped build things, and fix things, and move things, and he supported people in whatever ways that he could. He surprised people with little gifts, and enjoyed being invited to family events and celebrations. He had health challenges over the years, and he worked to maintain his independence and daily activities.
At this time, COVID-19 restrictions prevent gatherings. It was his wish that he would have a BIG party to celebrate his life with family and friends, which we will do when it is safe. Please get vaccinated and please be safe.
We are unfortunately separated at this time, but we grieve together. And we know that we were so fortunate to be in Neil’s big, big, heart.
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