MONTREAL – It is with great sadness that McGill University Athletics and Recreation announces the death of Dr. Graham Neil, who served as a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education from 1970 to 2002 and an associate dean in the faculty of education

The native of Stanbridge East, Que., succumbed on June 9 at the Montreal General Hospital, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.   He was 73.

Graham Ivan Neil earned two academic degrees from McGill (B.Ed. '62, MA '63), followed by a PhD from the University of Oregon. As a student, he served as captain and manager of the track and field team at the University's Macdonald College campus, where he also coached the junior varsity basketball team. After earning his doctorate, he spent several years as a high school physical education teacher in Cowansville before being accepting his appointment at McGill in 1970.

"We have lost a passionate advocate of school-based physical education in Quebec," said Dr. Greg Reid, a former department chair who retired earlier this year from the University. "He continued to supervise student teachers after retirement. So enthusiastic for this activity, he postponed, by a couple of days, one of his hospital visits when his cancer was diagnosed, to ensure he kept his school appointment."

As a graduate supervisor, Neil was highly valued for permitting students to pursue their own research and for his challenging and insightful questions. He was also active in sport psychology and authored some early papers on superstitions in sport. He assisted numerous McGill coaches and athletes.

His interest in sport psychology attracted a number of students to pursue a master's degree at McGill, including Mike Babcock, coach of the NHL Detroit Red Wings. Among the others he mentored was McGill women's hockey coach Peter Smith, who went on to coach the Canadian national team, McGill soccer coach Marc Mounicot and former Redmen bench boss Martin Raymond, currently coaching with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League after a three-year stint with the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning.

Neil was an accomplished hockey player, singer and folk-dance caller. A true 'townshipper', he remained in Stanbridge East for most of his life and commuted daily to McGill during his three decades as a professor. He spent many summers farming his land but warmly welcomed McGill staff and their children for a visit during any season. His undergraduate teaching included gymnastics, handball, and canoe tripping. He wrote one of the first-ever books on handball, following the 1976 Montreal Olympics.  At various times he served as chair of the department and as associate dean in the faculty of education.

"Students will recall his physical activity classes with fondness, a place where their physical improvement was demanded and the pedagogical relevance of the activity highlighted," said Reid. "Sport, physical education, and the 'Townships' have lost a dedicated and fine gentleman."

Neil is survived by his partner Laura, sons Scott (Mélanie) and Gordie (Louise), plus daughters Heidi (Cooper) and Abbie (Mathieu) as well as seven grandchildren.   

Family members will receive condolences on Friday, June 14 (1-3 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.) at Brome-Missisquoi Funeral Complex, 215 River Street, Bedford, Que (450-248-2911). A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on June 15 at the United Church in Stanbridge East.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, would be appreciated by the family. Forms available at the funeral home or directly at www.cancer.ca

Condolences may be expressed online at: www.complexebm.com/obituaries
and
www.legacy.com/guestbooks/montrealgazette/guestbook.aspx?n=graham-neil&pid=165285606


SOURCE:

Earl Zukerman
McGill Sports Info Office
514-398-7012

===================================================================================

Testimonies

 

• Testimony of Kathy Harris+Tony Iachetta

  06-16-2013

  We were very sorry to hear of the loss of Prof. Neil.He was a great influence to both of our teaching careers.We will miss bumping in to him at all those hockey tournaments.
  Kathy Harris(McGill 81)Tony Iachetta(McGill 82)

• Testimony of Dale and Phyllis Pozer

  06-15-2013

  Graham was a very special person to his family, his friends, his colleagues, his students, and his community. He will be missed by many. We send our deepest sympathy.

• Testimony of Craig Bouskill

  06-15-2013

  I wish to extend my sincerest condolence at the sad news of Graham passing. Take comfort in your memories of all you shared, at this time of sadness. May he rest in peace.

• Testimony of Bev Quilliams

  06-15-2013

  Graham was the best big brother a girl could have . He spent a great deal of his time giving in so many ways to his family whether it be his children, grandchildren ,nieces ,nephews,cousins or brothers and sisters, he would give up his time to accommodate us.There will be a large void for all of us. He was a very accomplished teacher and he shared his knowledge with all of his family . Thank you to all who have sent in testimonies it means a lot. We will miss his presence in our lives.

  • Testimony of Billy Harvey

    06-14-2013

    While I was able to pay my respects today to the Neil family on the passing of Dr. Neil, I did not get a chance to convey the following message. Graham was instrumental in my life as an undergraduate student as he pushed me to do better as a physical education teacher. He convinced me that practical experience would lead me and the field to know more and to do better by our students. He encouraged me to link my knowledge of the field to my Masters and Doctoral work. I am very thankful for that advice today! Graham seemed to always know the right thing to say and at the right time. He always had time for students, including me. Thank you to his family for sharing his tremendous wisdom and presence with us. Your entire family and Graham will be in our daily prayers. God Bless and Godspeed to a faithful servant and wonderful man.

  • Testimony of Sandi & Paul Plumbtree - Kelly, Bryan & Jackson Wi

    06-14-2013

    Graham is fondly remembered as an amazing & dedicated teacher who
    patiently taught our English class at Grenville High School.  He encouraged us to learn more about ourselves by writing our autobiographies. To this day that "novel" is a source of pride.  His love of sports is also a cherished memory as I recall him building an outdoor rink for all his students to enjoy.  My thanks to you Graham for my love of skating which I still enjoy to this day.  Graham was also a dedicated family man who often made the long & sometimes snow covered trip to Ontario to celebrate Christmas with us.
    Thank you Graham for all you have done.  You do live on in our memories with love & appreciation.
    Our sincere sympathy to his loving children: Scott, Heidi, Abbie & Gordie   & families. To Laura & her family as well as his brothers & sisters & their families and to all who were fortunate to have known you.
    You are missed!

  • Testimony of Famille Conrad Piette

    06-14-2013

    Bonsoir,
    Par ce petit mot, nous voulons offrir a toute votre famille nos plus sincères sympathies. 

    Nos pensées sont avec vous tous.

    Famille Conrad Piette

  • Testimony of Tom Ropeleski

    06-14-2013

    Dear Neil Family,
    It is with profound sadness that I hear the news of Dr Graham Neil's passing.The Phys Ed community has lost a great one, a mighty-mite with giant stature.
    
    As a teacher, he was highly knowledgeable, able to communicate that knowledge and never failed to be thought provoking. He taught me that believing in a student, allowed the student to believe in themselves. A lesson I've taken through thirty-six years of teaching.
    
    He showed me that you can be demanding and compassionate at the same time, that you can be profound and simple at the same time, and that you can be highly accomplished and humble at the same time.These are life lessons I will never forget.
    
    As a person he was kind,gentle and respectful, never hesitating to offer the extra attention whenever needed.
    
    Friendly, humorous, enthusiastic, positive, encouraging, understanding: these are the characteristics I will always remember and cherish when I think of him.
    
    Graham, may the heavens welcome you…I know you will keep those "heavenly bodies" in shape.
    My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
    
    
    Tom Ropeleski

    • Testimony of Jim Legge

      06-14-2013

      Heidi and family
      It was with great sadness that the news of Graham's death was received at Nunavut Arctic College.
      
      In the few years that I came to know him, Graham impressed me for his wonderful character and the professionalism he took in his teaching.
      
      While traveling here in the north he spoke often of how confident he was that he could count on his family to look after the farm back home. Whenever he spoke of all of you it was with great pride.
      
      In a Christmas card to me in December, 2012, Graham wrote, "It is nice to know that one is not forgotten at this special time of year". Well, for anyone who spent time with Graham, it was a special time of year never to be forgotten.

    • Testimony of Tom Potter and Teresa Socha

      06-14-2013

      It is with tremendous sadness that we hear of Graham's death. He was a dear friend, and an inspiring teacher and mentor to us both. He was always supportive of our ventures, gave us much wise counsel on far more than academics, and, even though very busy, always made time for his students. As a prof and friend he provided incredible value and we felt valued by him. Graham led by example showing his students the importance of caring, compassion, holistic and critical thinking, excellence and commitment, which challenges us all to do our best with and for our own students; in our own ways we strive to keep Graham's legacy alive. We will always remember him fondly, with special memories of canoe tripping and rock climbing.

      
      Our condolences to Laura, Scott (Mélanie), Heidi (Cooper), Abbie (Mathieu) & Gordie (Louise) and family.

      Thank you Graham for your compassion, wisdom, unwavering support, teachings and friendship. You will be greatly missed my friend.

      
      With love,
      Tom and Teresa, McGill PE 1983

    • Testimony of Wayne & Julie Kemp

      06-14-2013

      To the Neil Family - We were sadden to hear of Graham's passing. He was a "people" person and it showed in his involvement in his community, church and his chosen field. He touched the lives of many people which is shown in the testimonies made to him. You have our sincerest condolences.

    • Testimony of Martin Raymond

      06-13-2013

      Dear Neil Family,

      Please accept my sincere condolences. As a former masters student under Dr. Neil's supervision, I owe him a lot, both on an academic and a personal level.  He always spoke to me in such a positive yet constructive way to encourage me in my coaching,and I'm glad he coaxed me into getting involved with the Bedford Minor Hockey for all these years in the Townships.  Just being his hard working, committed self, he set an example of excellence for all of us that were his students.  I loved him very much. He was a great teacher, a mentor, and a friend.
      
      Sincerely,
      Martin Raymond

      • Testimony of John Craighead

        06-13-2013

        My sincerest condolences. As for so many others, Graham has been a very positive force in my life for over 40 years first as a teacher, always as a role model, and most recently as a wonderful friend. His passion and excitement for learning in all aspects of life endures through every life that he touched. Graham, thanks so very much.

      • Testimony of Ed & Louise Graves Lowry

        06-13-2013

        Dear Stanley, We extend to you and your family our deepest sympathies on the loss of your brother

      • Testimony of Graham Donnelly

        06-13-2013

        I would like to express my personal condolences to the Neil family on the loss of a greatly loved individual who led a remarkable life.
        Graham's passion for life and for his work had such a positive influence on countless students over the years. Like the many students who were privileged to expand their relationship with Graham beyond student-teacher life at McGill (B.Ed. (PE) 72), in later years I assisted him with gymnastics classes, collaborated with him on professional associations, and attended conferences with him where a few of us took the opportunity to experience various parts of Canada together. I always found Graham to be a caring mentor, someone who was principled, knowledgeable, and always striving for what is best. The opportunities I had to visit to visit Graham at home were truly memorable.  Life with family on the land in the Townships was revealed to me and other city-dwellers, and his obvious pride in the lifestyle left an impression just as strong as the beauty of the farm and its community.
        It was a fitting tribute to Graham that so many students continued to keep in contact over the years, sharing with him what they were doing and how they were getting on with their lives.
        I along with countless others will always appreciate knowing Graham, learning from him, laughing with him, and we will miss him deeply.

      • Testimony of Jacques Tan

        06-13-2013

        Though I didn't know Graham very well, I had the pleasure of being on Graham's same hockey line during the senior Canada Games in Brockville.

        I remember him as being an excellent competitor and team mate.

        My condolences to his family,

        Jacques Tan

June-13-13
Our condolences to the Neil family. We shall always remember the many good times we shared with Graham and family over many years. I first meet Graham at Three Rivers high school in 1957 as he was a student teacher and later we were colleagues at McGill for 25 years. He was a wonderfull educator,a person who cared about his students,and a great friend. I will miss him.
 
Sylvia and Doug Riley,
Charlottetown PEI
 
June-13-13
"The Cliffords' send our deepest sympathy to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God Bless
 
The Cliffords Clifford,
Beamsville, Ontario
 
June-13-13
Graham Neil was a close colleague and friend for many years at McGill University. He made an enormous contribution to the development of the field of Physical Education in Quebec through his leadership as a teacher, coach, professor and professional leader. As the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Eduction, he significantly enhanced the professional development work of McGill. He will be fondly remembered by the many students and colleagues in education that he worked with over the years. My deepest condolences to his family.

A. E. Ted Wall, former McGill colleague,
Alexandria, Ontario
 
 
June-12-13
My deepest sympathies.
 
Tammy Hughes,
Cote Saint-Luc, Quebec
 

·Testimony of Christelle Bogosta

06-13-2013
My sincerest condolences to the family. What a kind, considerate person Graham Neil was. Another guardian angel watches over us.

·Testimony of Jeffrey D. Kruse

06-13-2013
Graham was the Prince of Granby High School.
He was an example to all of us to be fair,honest and treat everyone with respect.
It was an honour to have crossed his path in life.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Jeffrey D. Kruse

·Testimony of Shaun McMahon

06-13-2013
Dr. Graham Neil,
Was a great man, father, teacher, mentor, brother, and friend.
He was warm, caring, welcoming, giving, and honest. In addition he was able to teach you things without realizing you just learned and usually it was a life lesson.
For that I thank him from the bottom of my heart.
I hope that I can be half the man he was.
He will be greatly missed by me, my family and many, many others.
Graham, may you rest in peace.

·Testimony of Chris Zilberman

06-13-2013
Our sincere sympathy to the Neil family. Graham was a wonderful person who I had the pleasure of working for and with for 20 years in the PE Department at McGill.  He was so dedicated to McGill University, physical education and sport,to his students and of course his family.  He was a man who always made time to listen to and help anyone in need.  Graham was a leader and integral part of our Department "family". Victor and I will always remember him with great fondness.
Chris and Victor Zilberman

·Testimony of Rob Field

06-13-2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies at this time. I was fortunate to have been taught by Graham Neil as an undergraduate in phys.Ed at McGill may years ago. I graduated in 1987.
I remember Prof. Neil with fondness for his dedication, sense of humour, and how much he cared for and supported his students. It was never difficult to see his passion and enthusiasm and to be inspired by it.
He will be missed by many.

·Testimony of Yvan Campbell

06-13-2013
Salut Graham,
Merci de tes enseignements à McGill lorsque j'étais étudiant et merci de tes conseils lors de mon passage à McGill comme prof !
J'ai vécu le moment le plus stressant de mon Bac à McGill lorsque tu nous as demandé un exposé oral EN ANGLAIS lors de ma première session !!! Je me rapelle encore du sujet : "cooperation and competition in phys ed" OUF !  Ça s'appelait «complete english immersion» !!!!!!
Thanks a lot for all your achievements professor
Yvan (McGill ,86)

·Testimony of Susan Freitag

06-12-2013
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Neil, whom I was privileged to have as my dear professor, thesis supervisor, and mentor. I am forever grateful to him for giving me a second chance in life, when he warmly welcomed me back to McGill to complete an M.A. in Phys. Ed. Sport Psychology, which eventually led me to fulfill my life long dream as a licensed psychologist. He brought the best out of me, and taught me that a university education went far beyond the curriculum, to include important lessons of life. I will never forget the unique experience of teaching Cree teachers in northern Quebec, to which he exposed me, and told me I would one day look back on as an adventure. I will always remember him as a compassionate human being, who was like a second Dad to his students, and always had time for everyone.
My sincere condolences to his family. He will be sadly missed.

·Testimony of Diane Ste-Marie

06-12-2013
Professor Neil, here I am 27 years post-graduation from McGill and I am still connected to you.  I do not know how many Professors have a large group of their graduates still keeping in touch.  This is clear proof of the power of your teachings and mentorship.  Thanks for everything. I wish I could be there.  I will miss you.

·Testimony of Martine Bernard

06-12-2013
As a scared little French girl entering McGill University, Professor Neil embodied compassion, empathy and a passion for his students.  He taught by example, and his legacy lives in the many teachers he has helped shaped.

·Testimony of Donna-Lee Smith

06-12-2013
Graham was so well loved by his Indigenous students and by those of us who knew him in the Office of First Nations and Inuit Education at McGill University. My deepest sympathies.

·Testimony of Donald Finigan

06-12-2013
My deepest sympathies to the Neil family and my regrets at being unable to attend the funeral. Graham was one of the first in the extended Neil family I got to meet and immediately made me feel welcome. I will remember him as a gracious and genuine person whose life will remain in the memories of the many people he impressed.

·Testimony of Joan (Rose) Highfield

06-12-2013
So sorry to hear of Graham's last battle. He was such an inspiration to me when faced with teaching P.E. at Mansonville School a 'few' year's ago. My knowledge of P.E. was restricted to old memories of high School gymnastics and track. He was so supportive and built confidence from a few well chosen words and suggestions. A wonderful man!
 

·Testimony of Peggy Donohue

06-12-2013
An inspirational and passionate physical educator!  I have fond memories of Dr. Neil demonstrating handstands, front handsprings (over a horse) and other feats of strength and balance, with ease and grace - at the young age of 60!  His passion for teaching and physical activity and his relentless effort to help his students improve will continue to inspire my teaching for years to come.

·Testimony of Janet Evans

06-12-2013
To the Neil Family,
  It is with sorry that I learned of the passing of Dr. Neil.  I graduated from McGill Physical Education in 1974 and have many fond memories of Dr. Neil.  He also was the head of department when I student taught at Massey Vanier High School in Cowansville in 1969.
Dr. Neil always had a smile on his face and was so happy to be with our P. Ed. class and was interested in all our lives. 
  My thoughts and prayers are with all your family through this difficult time.  The good memories of Dr. Neil will sustain us and lift our hearts. 
                May God be with you,  Janet Evans

·Testimony of Darlene Campbell

06-12-2013
My condolences to all of Graham's family. He was a truly inspiring teacher and will be so greatly missed by all. Since moving to the US I didn't see him often but glad for a quick visit last year. Graham spoke so proudly of his children, I wish I could have met them. 

Darlene Campbell

·Testimony of Linda & John Nestor

06-12-2013
Deepest sympathies to Scott, Abbie, Heidi and Gordie from the Nestor family. Our family have wonderful memories of your Dad, having visited the farm many years ago.  In particular we remember the tracker ride around the property and your Dad's enthusiam for his land. Your Dad was a wonderful, accomplished man and we admired him greatly.  We are thinking of you all at this sad time and hope that in time your painfull loss will be replaced by all of your own personal great memories of your Dad. My Mom Joyce Trineer has aways held your Dad in the highest regard for his spirit, kindness and accomplished education, an accomplished life, really. My mom used to love to tease your father calling him "Gamie". My dad Stanley Couloris would also like to express his sympathies.  He was not aware that your Dad had been ill and he was very saddened at the news of your Dad's passing.  He will be missed.

Sincerely,
Linda, John, Matthew and Mikey Nestor

·Testimony of b arbara neil pozer

06-12-2013
graham was always very important in my life. so many memories of summers at the farm with our cousins.happy times..

·Testimony of Waterloo Elementary School

06-12-2013
Our deepest condolences to Heidi and her family on the loss of her dad,  a wonderful man and educator who was much loved and respected by so many both in the community out here and through his McGill Community. .
Heidi our love and thoughts are with you.

Love, your Waterloo Elementary Family

·Testimony of Lynn Butler-Kisber

06-12-2013
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Graham. He was a dedicated, thoughtful, and passionate teacher who was respected and loved by colleagues and students alike. I had the privilege to have worked with Graham at various times during his career at McGill. It was always a pleasure. He touched many lives and will be sorely missed.

·Testimony of Murray (Mur) G. Brooks

06-12-2013
To all the Neil family…my deepest sympathies on your loss—-I didn't know Dr. Neil very well…as I saw him only once in awhile when he visited Selby Lake to work on the log cabin. From what I've heard from John Craighead and others, though, Dr. Neil was most highly respected; both professionally and personally by all who knew him.
Again…sincere condolences to all his family…

·Testimony of Cliff Wilson

06-12-2013
Ode to Doc
We wish the fondest of farewells to an absolutely incredible man, educator, mentor, father and friend. Graham touched all our lives in such a profound and positive way, that he will always be remembered in our hearts. Our sincerest condolences to the entire Neil family and especially the children (Scotty, Heidi, Abbie and Gordie), who we watched grow up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cliff Wilson
McGill Gymnastics' team, 83-86

·Testimony of Len Davis

06-12-2013
It was a great honor and pleasure to work with Graham on the QASA and AEESQ athletics committees.
Graham was a great leader and role model as well as a friend.
To the Neil and Lamorey families, I extend my sincere sympathy. 
Graham is in my thoughts and prayers.
MAY GRAHAM REST IN PEACE.  GOD BLESS

·Testimony of Kathie Ball Horton

06-12-2013
To all of the Neil family and relatives…my deepest condolences in the passing on of Graham.I am truly moved by this.He joins so many other great people that we all have lost over time.He certainly has left his mark in this world and shall never be forgotten by those who knew him and loved.He was such an inspiration to everyone.Graham and all his siblings and relatives were well known around GHS. God bless you, Graham Rest in Peace.     

Kathie Ball Horton

·Testimony of Millie and Ron Martin

06-12-2013
Our sincere sympathy to Laura and the Neil family, may your happy memories of Graham be of comfort to you during the days ahead.
Millie and Ron

·Testimony of Ratna Ghosh

06-12-2013
My sincere sympathies on the passing of Graham Neil.  He was a great colleague and a very sincere person. He will be remembered as a person of strength and courage.

·Testimony of Joly Riendeau & Duke, CPA

06-12-2013
Our sincere sympathies to the entire Neil family on the passing of Graham, who was a long time client of our office. Our prayers and thoughts are extended.
Bill Duke, Geoff Webber, Wendy Neil and our entire staff

·Testimony of Donna Neil Brown

06-12-2013
A cherished cousin and closest confidant. I will miss him so.

·Testimony of Tom Downey

06-12-2013
My deepest condolences to the Neil family.  Dr. Neil was a great professor, one of my favourites. A true man of character and one the most down to earth people I have ever met. I have always had a great deal of respect for Dr. Neil.  He will be greatly missed.

·Testimony of Steve & Rolande Laduke

06-12-2013
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Courage.

·Testimony of Venus Di Genova

06-12-2013
My sincerest sympathies to the family. Professor Neil was an amazing professor, a mentor, and a true pillar for McGill's Physical Education Department.  He will be greatly missed!  Class of 1992 will hold fond memories of his skills classes, his lectures, and our amazing summer activities canoeing trip!

·Testimony of Linda Cadloff Richman, B.Ed (PE) '79

06-12-2013
To a wonderful prof who introduced me to the world of gymnastics at McGill-
You taught me to walk and you taught me to swing but more than that, you taught me about patience and perseverance. To all those you have taught- consider yourself fortunate. Condolences to your family and loved ones.

·Testimony of DANIEL & PAULINE FAVREAU

06-12-2013
Our deepest sympathies to all the family.  He will be greatly missed.  We enjoyed very much our times- square dancing.  He had something very special—a big smile and thoughtfulness.  We will miss him. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

·Testimony of Alison Steel and Robert Crouse

06-12-2013
Dear Scott and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear that your Dad has passed on. He will be fondly remembered, and was lucky to have four great kids that he gave valuable life lessons to.
Take care,
love, Alison and Rob

·Testimony of CAROL TAILLON

06-11-2013
  Our most sincere condolences to Laura Munt and the Neil family on the death of Graham.
          CAROL& GAETAN TAILLON

·Testimony of Eyal Baruch

06-11-2013
Graham is an icon in the world of Physical Education. To me and so many other PE students who had the pleasure having him as our professor; he was our mentor.
He taught us from the heart; the good old way of teaching…none of this technical electronic stuff.
He was fun, he was active and he was occasionally stern, but always sincere….he will be so missed.
I will remember him as the prof that always figured things out and was always Accommodating. Memories include PE camping/canoeing, handball, his great truck and the wonderful meat he arranged for us all these years.  You will always be remembered.
Thank you for everything.
Take care in your new world.
Eyal Baruch
PE Grad 1983

·Testimony of Kevin Kennedy

06-11-2013
To the Neil and Lamorey families, my sympathies.  I was a Phys Ed student at McGill from 94-99 and have nothing but fond memories of my time there and my time in Dr. Neil's classes- including some challenging days in gymnastics!  He was an inspiring professor and a mentor in every sense of the word; his expectations were always clear and his door was always open.  I'm sorry for this great loss, but proud that I can say he certainly had a positive influence on me and on my teaching career.

·Testimony of Geneviève Vastel

06-11-2013
Graham,
Tu es parti trop vite. La dernière fois que tu es venu nous voir, Violaine et moi, tu avais l'air si bien avec ta barbe blanche et ton beau sourire. Tu étais si fier de nous apporter une bouteille de ton sirop d'érable. Justement, ton sourire et ta bonne humeur vont me manquer ainsi que tes visites à ma ferme pour apporter du foin, chercher du foin ou entreposer ou sortir ta belle automobile de collection. Je savais que je pouvais compter sur toi si j'avais besoin d'aide et que nous pouvions aller nous baigner n'importe quand dans votre piscine.
Mes filles se joignent à moi pour présenter à Laura, à Scott, à Abi, à Heidi et à Gordie, ainsi qu'à toute ta famille, nos condoléances les plus sincères.
Mes prières vous accompagnent.

Geneviève

·Testimony of Peter and Judy Antle

06-11-2013
So sorry to hear about the death of Graham.  Once again, Stanbridge East has lost another great man.  He contributed so much for our community and will be missed!

·Testimony of Eric Nadeau

06-11-2013
Mes plus sincère condoléances à toute la famille je pense fort à vous durant ces moments difficile!
Eric Nadeau

·Testimony of Earland & Margaret (Orser) Pepper

06-11-2013
So sorry to hear of that Graham has passed away. He was atrue gentleman and devout advocate of Physical Education at McGill and in the Province of Quebec. His good friend and McGiil associate, Doug Riley, provided us with the sad news yesterday.
Margaret (Orser) BEd (PE) 1962 was a classmate both at Macdonald College and at McGill. Earland (BEd (PE)1963 was in the following year.It was our pleasure to spend a wonderful evening with Graham at the McGill 100th Anniversary of Physical Education. We shall cherish the time with him and the photos from the event.

·Testimony of Ken Tyler

06-11-2013
A truly great McGillian! A great mentor for so many students, profs and coaches! I very much appreciated the times I had with him and the time he gave our student-athletes.
My condolences to his family and friends.

Ken Tyler

·Testimony of Julie Manseau

06-11-2013
Prof. Neil, what a great role model you have been for all of us. Simply inspiring! Mes sympathies à sa famille.

·Testimony of Heidi Lenet

06-11-2013
My condolences to all of Dr. Neil's family. He was a great man and a great prof. I will never forget his smile and good humour.

·Testimony of Diane Ryan

06-11-2013
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Neil. I am a 33 year veteran at the Department of Athletics and Recreation and had the privilege of working on scheduling and many other aspects at McGill University. Graham was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He was very well liked and respected. It was an honour to work with him.

·Testimony of Sonny Wolfe

06-11-2013
A finite number of individuals make for a great university experience and influence one's career - Graham Neil certainly had that type of impact on my career

·Testimony of andre plourde

06-11-2013
will be greatly missed. great professor, even better man…only positive memories of him. mes condoleances a toute la famille.

·Testimony of Steve and Sheila Mitchell

06-11-2013
Very sad news. Graham was one of our all-time favourite professors at McGill and later with the AAESQ.  I really became friends with Graham when he guided the AAESQ meetings and tournaments. His people skills and sounds judgement always focussed around the students first and foremost. We respected him for his simplicity, integrity and care of others. Both Sheila and I learnt a lot from this wonderful teacher. He had an impact on our careers and will be truly missed.

·Testimony of James Stewart

06-11-2013
My condolences to the Neil family. Professor Neil was a scholar and gentleman. I was a better student and person because of him and often think back to his lessons in life. He was committed to making students better people by asking them to push themselves. He listened and was interested in the affairs of others. He was humble and had a sense of humour. He cared about his community. He was a great McGill man and all of us who had him as a professor were most fortunate.

Testimony of Earl Zukerman

06-11-2013
On behalf of McGill Athletics & Recreation, please accept our condolences. We all share greatly in your loss.

·Testimony of Viviane Schofield

06-11-2013
Throughout the years, Graham has always been as steady as the Rock of Gibraltar, a model to all of us, with his family values shining through, acting both as an anchor and rudder in our lives.
His perseverance, his committment to excellence, his sense of humour, as well as his unwavering love for his family are just a part of what made him unique and special!
I will miss him!!
My sympathies to the family and to all of you who held him dear in your lives…

·Testimony of Lynden Bechervaise

06-11-2013
We shared an interest in sports and gymnastics in particular. We would judge at competitions in Montreal in our early years then along with Butch spent several glorious summers at Camp Wilvaken.On many weekends I had the privelege of spending time with the family.  Distance has seperated us for our working years but both Graham and Butch have been beacons in our lives and Enid & I are sorry for their passsing.

Lynden & Enid Bechervaise
New Carlisle, P.Q.

·Testimony of Laura Sherrer - Townsend

06-11-2013
Big hugs to the Neil family. I haven't seen Mr. Neil in over 20 years when i was friends with Heidi, Abbie & Scott at MV. He always had this wonderful quiet smile and never seemed to mind sharing his shoes & sweaters? Yes it's true in Grade 8/9 I had the same size feet! I somehow hoped his smarts would go from his shoes up Ha!Ha! I also remember his fondness for old Toyota or Nissan? trucks. Those we love stay in our hearts forever.

·Testimony of susan finch

06-11-2013
We'll miss him in so many ways, but none more than his family, and wonderful partner.
Our thoughts are with you all.

·Testimony of Assurances Roy Yelle Inc.

06-11-2013
To the Neil family,
We were very saddened to hear of Graham's Passing, please accept our most sincere condolences.

Assurances Roy Yelle Inc.

·Testimony of Laurie Robinson, Todd, Baylee & Madison Ingalls

06-11-2013
To the Neil Family,
Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to you all, Graham was a very respected man in the community, and he will be greatly missed. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.

Todd, Laurie, Baylee, and Madison
XXXX

·Testimony of Eleanor Monette

06-11-2013
Our thoughts are with the family at this most difficult time.  RIP Graham

·Testimony of Louis Bélisle

06-11-2013
Deepest Sympathy to all the family, Scott and Gordie.

·Testimony of Jeane Corey

06-11-2013
Graham
You will be missed. Always remember what a great friend and neighbor you were. Not only to mom and I but to everyone. One thing that I will never forget-is the day you were on your way to McGill to work and you saw me on the porch roof shovelling the snow you turned around grabbed your shovel and climbed up to help me.  Always thinking of someone else.

Jeane Corey

·Testimony of Nicky

06-11-2013
Laura, Heidi, Scott, Abbie, Gordie And family,
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you feel, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.

·Testimony of Norman and Geraldine Jourdenais

06-11-2013
Our deepest sympathy is extended to Laura and all the family.

·Testimony of Joëlle Buron & Julien Merle

06-11-2013
We were pleased to know Graham, a really great man. All our thoughts to Laura Lamorey, Abbie, Gordie, Scott and Heidi and little children.
Courage + Love from Belgium xxx Joëlle and Julien

·Testimony of John & Dianne

06-11-2013
Our Deepest Sympahy to Laura and family.
We have great memories of Graham to be cherished forever.

·Testimony of Colin and Louise Gage

06-10-2013
Deepest sympathy to the entire Neil clan and Laura. He will be missed! RIP Graham.

·Testimony of Nancy Cote

06-10-2013
My deepest sympathies to you all.
Remember those happy moments and smile.
Nancy xxx

·Testimony of Kerri Ten Eyck

06-10-2013
My condolences to the whole family. Sorry for your loss.

·Testimony of Norman Ball

06-10-2013
Dr. Neil was my Phys Ed teacher in Bedford High School.
Most recently I enjoyed discussing haying with him.
He was generous in sharing experiences, always the teacher.
My condolences to all the family.

·Testimony of Alex Courvoisier

06-10-2013
My sincere sympathy to all family (friend)
My thoughts are with you all xxx

·Testimony of Ray Wescott.

06-10-2013
      Deepest Sympathy to the Neil Family and Laura at this time . Graham will be sadly missed by us all !!

·Testimony of David Realffe Jr

06-10-2013
RIP Graham