Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Our thoughts are with you. If you are a reflection of your dad he must have been a great person.

Uncle Neal was the kindest, most gregarious man I ever knew. Even in the most difficult of times he could find a reason to share a chuckle with someone he loved. His devotion to my mother, his older sister Sheila, was unmistakable and despite his own serious health concerns he visited her both in hospital and hospice. It was there that they shared a final chuckle one trying to out humour the other I am sure. My dear Uncle was also known for his amazing culinary skills and it was with the greatest of anticipation that I would save my appetite for days ahead of a dinner invitation to dine with him in his home. I have never eaten better Thai any where! He was always the first to say "if there is anything I can do" and mean it. Over the years I had to take him up on that offer more than once even leaving him and Auntie Pat to baby-sit giving up their tickets to a flames game when I had to be at hospital with one of the other children. He was kid hearted, generous and truly a good man. I will think of him often and miss him always.

Neal and I go back many years, from Grandin School and St. Joes High Schools in Edmonton, to moving to Calgary in 1972. In Edmonton, Pat and Neal lived one block from us, and our husbands both worked for Imperial Oil. Jay was a baby at that time, so Pat and I became good friends. After our move to Calgary in 1972, we still were very close and enjoyed many parties, camping holidays in the Okanogan with our tent trailers. Then Troy came along and was such a cute little guy who loved his mom.

Pat and Neal loved to entertain and as everyone knows, Pat was a terrific cook. We had many dinner parties back and forth. Then, by coincidence, we met Sandy and Fred. What a great time we all had, so many memories.

My last visit with Neal found him to be not well at all. As I was leaving, he gave me a hug, "not just a hug, but a hug with a squeeze." This is what a true friend is all about.

Neal, my friend, rest in peace, the love of your life is waiting for you.

Lorraine Lavine