Parcourez la nécrologie de Robert
Donald
Bob
Neill 1932 2025 résidant dans la province Nouveau-Brunswick pour le détail des funérailles
Obituary of Robert Donald Neill
With profound sadness and deep love, the family of Robert “Bob” Donald Neill announces his sudden passing at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital (DECH) on July 15, 2025, at the age of 92. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at McAdam’s Funeral Home.
Born on August 8th, 1932, in Fredericton, New Brunswick; Bob was the son of the late Wallace and Marjorie (Fletcher) Neill and loving husband to the late Joey (Coates) Neill. He was the big brother and hero to Roger of British Columbia; devoted dad to Kathy and the late Kim Neill; grandfather to Nicholas and Kailey, as well as adoring great-grandfather to Robert, Alice and Annie.
Bob was a remarkable man whose legacy will live on in all who knew him. He is also lovingly remembered by his very special daughter-in-law, Annette Paul; cherished nieces, Debbie Shanks and Marilyn Keeling; the remaining members of a special group of lifelong friends known as “the gang” – Shirley and Lyle Smith and Florence Bartlett; nieces, nephews and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife Joey, the love of his life with whom he shared over 70 years of marriage, his son Kim, whose memory he carried with him every day, and his brother, Allan.
Bob’s home and his cherished cottage at Grand Lake were always warm and welcoming places — filled with laughter, good food and storytelling. Grand Lake held a special place in his heart.
Bob lived life to the fullest, always with a twinkle in his eye and a love for adventure. He earned his pilot’s licence with the Air Cadets at just 17 and spent many years flying for business and pleasure. He remained physically active well into his later years, skiing into his 80s and proudly earning his “Over 80 Club” pass at Sugarloaf. Bob loved golfing and was an active member of the Fredericton Golf Club. He enjoyed curling, tennis, boating, water-skiing and windsurfing alongside his close friend, Jack Dean. He was a man of many talents and even “attempted” to play the clarinet.
Professionally, Bob’s contributions helped shape the future of engineering in Atlantic Canada and beyond. After graduating from UNB in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, he began his career at the New Brunswick Electric Power Commission, where he advanced to Chief Design Engineer. He fondly referred to this period as his “10-year PhD”.
In 1964, Bob co-founded Neill and Gunter Limited, an engineering consulting firm that began humbly in the basement of Bob’s home. Dr. Roderick “Rod” Nolan joined the firm as its second employee. The two worked on opposite sides of an old desk in what they referred to as “the lower office.” That image — two men in a basement chasing a vision — would mark the beginning of a company that would go on to serve clients around the globe. Together, they built Neill and Gunter into one of Atlantic Canada’s largest and most respected engineering firms, with offices across North America. Their business partnership was built on trust and a very close friendship that lasted a lifetime.
Bob’s achievements were many and widely recognized. He received an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of New Brunswick in 1985 for his contributions to industry, community and the university.
Dr. Neill was awarded the Canadian Engineer’s Gold Medal Award for 1991 by the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers. In 1992, he was awarded the Silver Medal by the Atlantic Canada Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce and the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.
He served on numerous boards, including UNB’s Board of Governors and the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. He volunteered with Junior Achievement and was inducted into the Junior Achievement New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame in 1999 and was a Past President and Honorary Life Member of APEGNB, always giving back to the professional and local communities he loved.
Dr. Neill was honoured with the inaugural Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award in 2018, along with his former business partner, Dr. Nolan. The award recognized their demonstration of excellence, integrity and leadership throughout their careers and their service to advancing the profession and society.
At the heart of it all was Bob’s humility, generosity, and kindness. He mentored countless young engineers, gave quietly to causes that mattered, and led with integrity. His door was always open, his advice was always sound, and his presence always steady.
His family finds peace in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved wife, Joey, and their son, Kim — watching over the family with the same love and guidance they offered in life.
We will forever carry his legacy in our hearts — a man whose quiet strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to family, friends, and community made the world a better place.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff, nurses, and doctors of the DECH Emergency Department for their kindness, compassion, and care. They also wish to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Windsor Court in Fredericton for the loving support and gentle dignity they provided to Bob in his final months. The respect and compassion shown by everyone there will be remembered with deep appreciation.
Donations to the Chalmer’s Foundation in Bob’s name would be appreciated by the family.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
1932 2025
Décès pour la Ville Fredericton, Province Nouveau-Brunswick
avis deces Robert
Donald
Bob
Neill 1932 2025
nécrologie Robert
Donald
Bob
Neill 1932 2025
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Donald
Bob
Neill 1932 2025 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.