Obituary of Neil McDermid, QC

October 30, 1940 – October 22, 2021

Neil McDermid passed away peacefully at his home in Calgary on Friday, October 22, 2021, days short of his 81st birthday.

Neil was born and raised in Mount Royal in Calgary to Jean and Douglas McDermid and was the eldest of three siblings. Neil attended Earl Grey School, Rideau Park, and St. John’s Ravenscourt outside of Winnipeg for high school, and finally U of A for both his undergraduate and law degrees. Sports were always central to Neil’s life, he played them all growing up, but his real passion was hockey. He played at UofA before going to Europe and playing for the Wembley Lions and in Grenoble in France. One French newspaper article praised his offensive prowess, while also urging him to introduce himself to his defencemen. Upon returning to Canada, he really hit his stride playing with his brother and many of his best friends on the feared Elbow Park Oldtimers, and this was one of his favorite things in life. Neil was instrumental in bringing the Calgary Hitmen to town as one of the key owners in the initial investment group and loved hosting his friends at games in the Saddledome. Opening night for the Hitmen in the Dome may hold the record for overflow guests in one Luxury Suite.

After spending a few years as a teacher, Neil followed both his father and brother to the U of A law school, where he completed his law degree in 1971. He returned to Calgary and was called to the bar in 1973, before opening the Calgary office of Milner and Steer, continuing his career as a litigator through mergers at the firm until retiring from Fraser, Milner, Casgrain in 2007. Neil was awarded his QC designation during his time at FMC. A big part of his enjoyment of his law career was mentoring young lawyers at the firm, making sure they worked hard and played hard.

Neil made numerous contributions to the community, including chairing the Max Bell Foundation for a number of years. Neil passed on his love of sport, and some of his toughness, to his three children, who all competed on the National teams of their respective sports, which gave him great pride. His support for them was unwavering, and he maintained a great friendship with all three throughout his life.

Neil is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Heather and George, and Jill and Joe; son and daughter-in-law Blair and Elizabeth, and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law David and Jenny, and his sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Kevin.

A Celebration of Neil’s Life will be held at the Calgary Golf and Country Club (5900 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary AB) on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. The family welcomes all those who loved Neil to come and celebrate his life and memory. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made, in support of his love for sport, to Kidsport, Calgary chapter may be made directly to KidSport Canada - Alberta, Box 36107, Lakeview RPO, Calgary, AB T3E 7C6 Telephone: 1 (888) 91-4KIDS or (403) 217-3761, www.kidsportcanada.ca.

In living memory of Neil McDermid, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.