I’m so sorry to hear about Neil’s passing. I worked with Neil at Telus and manned a 2-man bobsled with him. He was a great guy with an easy and inviting disposition. I still share stories with my friends here in Texas about Neil and the fun we had sledding.

I remember how he responded when I asked why he wanted me to man his sled, expecting him to say I had the right combination of speed and strength, instead he replied “Well I heard you used to be a boxer so you should be able to handle getting knocked ’bout in the back of the sled”. I still smile when I think about it. A real stand-up guy who loved his family, the world’s a little less without him.

God bless and his family are in our prayers.

Just heard today of Neil’s passing and until now was unaware that he was battling cancer.

Neil was a big help to the New Zealand Bobsleigh team during its run up to the 1988 Olympics and we all enjoyed his pommy humor.

Although I ran into him from time to time we lost touch over the past few years. I will always remember his humor and positive attitude.

All my best to the family.

Owen and Sal Pinnell

Calgary

I braked a sled for Neil back in the 90’s for a short while. I never forgot him. He made an impression on me. My condolences.

Tony Basso

Dolena, Brandon and Evan,

Our thoughts are with you. Neil was a great guy and I’m proud that he was a cousin of mine.

Tessa

Dolena,

Our sincere condolences go out to you and your boys. It was so sad to hear of your loss. Hold the great memories close, they will comfort you through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

The Holts

DeeDee, Shawn, Keili, Shea

I played cricket with Neil for many years on the Titan’s and Glenmore Club teams. Neil was a dedicated player and loved the game. I am deeply saddened by Neil’s passing and would like to convey my condolences to Dolena and her family.

I slid with Neil in Skeleton. As a young slider, Neil always was willing to look out for me and give me tips. He truly helped me to feel like I was welcome….My thoughts are with everyone who feels this loss.

Dolena,

We were so shocked and very sad to hear about Neil. You think you have all the time in the world to do things but this proves how short life can be and that you have to make the most of today. We are glad that we were able to visit with you last summer and we would be so happy if you came to Sweden!

Dolena

Jim and I were deeply saddened to hear about Neil’s passing. We hope you are surrounded by family and friends that can comfort you during this time of great sorrow. Please know our thoughts are with you and your family.

Cristy & Jim

I am so deeply shocked to hear Of Neil’s passing. The world has lost another one of life’s great characters. I am so sorry I can’t make the memorial service, as I am preparing my team for the Olympics. God bless you Neil and those you have left behind.

Regards

Tom De-la-Hunty

Head Coach

Netherlands Bobsleigh Team

I worked with Neil for a couple of years at TELUS. Neil was an intricate web designer/developer and loved his job. He could turn a blank web page into a work of art. He was always kind and offered his tips and talents whenever someone needed help. Neil you will be missed.

Diane

A great training partner, a great wit, and an all round good guy. I’ll miss the transatlatic banter…….will be in touch Dolena, my thoughts are with you and the boys xxx

Dear Dolena,

It was a shock to find out that Neil had passed away. Please accept my sincere condolences. I enjoyed many an afternoon and evening having a pint with Neil at the Ship and Anchor, as well as the Rose and Crown. Neil was well liked by all and whenever I bumped into him on the street or in the supermarket he always had time for a chat, he was a true gentleman. There is a saying that states ” it is not when you die that matters but what you do with with your life whilst you’re down here that counts ” and Neil did just that, once again my sincere condolences… Ned Kelly

I got to know Neil in the 90’s when he was a regular member of the Calgary & District Cricket League. He was always the quiet, reserved type who spoke little.

In recent years, he seldom visited the cricket park as he was busy with other interests such as rugby and being a family man.

Sinerest condolences to his wife Dolena and sons Brandon and Evan and parents.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Dolena and boys,

Our thoughts are with you…

A nice memory we have is when you visited Stonewall and we enjoyed time around the pool, Neil shared his passion of cricket and rugby…

Take care

Dolena and Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May your memories of many laughter filled and joyful times surface in this time of sorrow.

I met Neil when I joined the Calgary Bobsled Club in the fall of 1988. He was a valuable member of the club. The equipment wasn’t trashed after he used it, could be counted on to help raise funds and designed Calbob’s web pages which brought dozens of new members into the sport. (Almost every bobsled glossary on the internet, has been plagiarized from Neil’s original work) Neil was an excellent example of how recreational sliders support the Olympic dreams of National team athletes. (There is a direct line from Neil’s volunteer work to the Gold and Silver Skeleton medals Canada won at the 2006 Torino Games.) He made a difference and will be missed. My condolences and prayers go out to Dolena and the boys at this very difficult time.

I got to know Neil first through Rugby at the Calgary Irish and further through Skeleton when we both signed up for our Country of births so that we could enter the World Championships therefore providing the required number of Countries so that Skeleton could be included in the Olympics. I heard about his fight with cancer last summer and am shocked at how fast it progressed. My deepest condolences go out to his family. He was a great guy and will live on in everyone he mets memories.

Dolena,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys.

Dolena, Brandon, and Evan:

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.