Parcourez la nécrologie de Neil Leo McNeill 1948– résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles

Neil Leo McNeill passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7th, at his residence in Leaside, Toronto, after his long and courageous battle with cancer. Resting at Morley Bedford Funeral Home, Toronto, he leaves behind his treasured and fully-adored son, James Otis Robert McNeill; his beloved brother, John (Jack) McNeill of Regina Beach, SK; and his dear sister, Margaret (Peggy) Mrazek, of New Westminster, BC. Predeceased by his loving parents Otis (Odie) James McNeill of McNeills’ Drugstores and Mary Catherine McNeill (nee Fitzpatrick; directoress and actress); and the late Margaret Rae McNeill, (nee Gold; RN), second wife of Otis. He will be lovingly remembered by his cherished nieces and nephews from the West Coast—Colette, Heather, Kevin, Lisa, Paul, John Scott (Scotty), and Shawn—as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews: Emily, Isaiah, Jordan, June, Kaitlyn, Luke, Molly, Otis, Ryan, Samuel, Solomon (Solly), and Tess. He is survived by his childhood Regina buddies, life-long St. Michael’s College friends, close friends in the art community, the TABO family of basketball referees, and his extended family, including second wife Carol McNeill (nee Vienneau), and many other acquaintances along life’s journey.
Born in Herbert, Saskatchewan, Neil grew up in Regina and graduated from Campion College in 1965. A gifted athlete throughout his life, he was a starter on Campion’s renowned Varsity Basketball team from Grade 10, and was widely regarded as the top pitcher in the City of Regina. Neil’s passion for basketball remained a constant, later taking on a new form as he traded his sneakers for a whistle, becoming a certified basketball referee for over 15 years – a gift that he passed on to his son. Beyond the court and the diamond, Neil also had a lifelong love for golf, finding joy in both the game and the camaraderie it brought with friends and family.
Eventually leaving Regina to pursue higher learning in theology at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, Neil later transferred to the University of Toronto in 1966, where he obtained his Bachelor Degree with a Major in English.
Neil began his career as an After-Care Counsellor at St. John’s School in Uxbridge, ON, and a Youth Worker for the Riley Park Youth Project back in Vancouver, BC. In these roles, he brought honesty, integrity, and deep compassion to his work with young people. Collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists, Children’s Aid Societies, and police departments, he helped develop thoughtful and effective treatment plans for youth navigating difficult circumstances. Although he found success in social work, Neil ultimately chose a different path—one that led him to his true passion. In 1975, he entered the custom picture framing industry, opening franchises in multiple cities across Canada. In 1977, he launched his own business Frameworks – later renamed to Frame Designs – and went on to work with many notable names in Toronto’s sports, political, arts, and entertainment industries. For 45 years, Neil owned and operated this flourishing business in the heart of the Yonge & Summerhill and Leaside neighbourhoods. To this day, his designs can be seen hanging in Queen’s Park, The Art Gallery of Ontario, The Granite Club, The University of Toronto, and several diplomatic consulates, among others.
They say some people have never met a stranger, and Neil was truly one of them. His ability to connect with others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Known for his sharp intellect and quick wit, he had a gift for storytelling and finding humor in any moment. Although well-read, strongly principled, and never shy to let his voice be heard, he had a particular knack for listening to and guiding those near and dear to him in times of need. As a father he was the pinnacle, sacrificing everything for his son to provide him with a life of promise.
After a brief remission from prostate cancer, Neil was later diagnosed with bladder cancer and chose to forgo treatment. True to form, he made the decision without hesitation or regret—to go out on his own terms. Though given just three months, he lived for eighteen, often reminding us, with a smile, that he was in no pain and was simply a “lucky guy.” Throughout those final months, Neil spoke with deep appreciation for his doctors, nurses, and especially his personal support workers and volunteers. His home became a revolving door of love and connection, with friends and family coming from near and far to visit, reminisce, and most importantly, laugh. Neil also witnessed his son, James, rise with strength and compassion—doing everything he could to support his father in ways that brought meaning and comfort to those days. To everyone who called, visited, helped, or simply cared: you meant the world to him. You gave him more than you’ll ever know.
Neil’s kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. May he rest in eternal peace. In keeping with Neil’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral. Instead, his life will be honoured with a celebration out West with his family, along with more intimate gatherings in Ontario with close friends and community. We invite you to take a moment—tell a story, share a laugh, or raise a glass in his memory.
Keep Paddling.

2025

Morley Bedford Funeral Services Ltd

Décès pour la Ville:Toronto, Province: Ontario

avis deces Neil Leo McNeill 1948–

nécrologie Neil Leo McNeill 1948–

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