Obituary of David Neill

Neill, David Arthur It is with profound sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of David Arthur Neill, on January 3rd, 2008, at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston, Florida, with his wife and 5 children at his side. He had been enjoying a Caribbean Vacation to celebrate his 65th birthday. David was adored by his loving wife Margot. He was the much loved son of Arthur and the late Kate Neill, and son-in-law of Christina and the late Gerry McDonald. David was the extremely proud father of Paige Steciuk (Gavin), Stacy (Manuel Martins), Jonathan (Jen), David and Andrew, and fun loving grandfather of Heather, Graeme and Claire Steciuk, Emily and Julia Martins, and Isabella Neill. David was the brother of Rick (Kristi); brother-in-law of Catherine Forbes (Don Ludlow), Ian McDonald and Graeme McDonald (Kim); Uncle to many wonderful nieces and nephews. David will be missed by many good friends and colleagues to numerous to mention. David arrived in Brantford in 1962 to begin teaching at the Ontario School for the Blind. He was Assistant Superintendent from 1972 - 1975, and for the next three years was Education Officer for the Ministry of Education Special Schools Branch with responsibility for all Provincial Schools. He returned to Brantford as Superintendent of W. Ross Macdonald School from 1978 - 1996. He then became Superintendent of the Robarts School for the Deaf in London from 1991 - 1992 and for both W. Ross Macdonald and Robarts from 1992 - 1997. Most recently he was a Vision Consultant in the Vision Resource Program. David was proud to be in his 46th year in education. David thrived on contributing to the community and assisting others. The extensive list of involvement includes, President of the B.G.H. Foundation, Past Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Brantford General Hospital, and Past President and current Secretary of the Brantford Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), Past President of the local Chapter for Council for Exceptional Children, Big Brothers, Brantford and District Association for Community Living, Lansdowne Childrens' Centre, and Campaign Chair for the United Way. He was Treasurer of Brant Ave. and St. Andrew's United Churches, Chairman of the Board of Brant Ave. United Church, and a member of the board of St. Andrew's United Church and Rebuilding Committee. So typically of David, after a life of giving and supporting others, he gave the gift of life and sight through the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency. A Memorial Service will be held at Grace Anglican Church, 15 Albion St., on Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Rev. L. Allan Lynk of St. Andrew's United Church Officiating. A reception will follow at the Brantford Golf and Country Club, 60 Ava Rd., Brantford. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Beckett-Glaves Family Funeral Centre, (519) 752-4331. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Brantford General Hospital Foundation or St. Andrew's United Church Building Fund would be deeply appreciated by the family. A tree will be planted in memory of David in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.