On the evening of August 11, 2019, after a day spent surrounded by all of his family, Neil passed quickly and peacefully to be with our Lord. Neil’s early years were spent in rural Eastern Ontario, having been born on a farm. His parents worked very hard, raising seven kids, five girls and two boys on that farm. Neil’s father passed away when Neil was just three years old. Neil was predeceased by three sisters, Marion, Ethel, and Frances. He leaves behind two sisters and one brother, Muriel, Mabel, and Lewis. Neil was also predeceased by both his parents, James and Bertha.
In 1961, Neil enrolled in the military. This would result in a lifelong career of 32 years. In 1963, he married his first wife, Glady, and they left Canada the following year for a tour with NATO in Germany. After returning to Canada in 1967, they had their first child, Trudy, in 1968 and their second daughter, Jodie, in 1972. Within Canada, Neil served in several locations including Borden, Ottawa, the Queen Charlotte Islands (now Haidi Gwaii), Halifax, and finally Victoria.
Neil retired as a Master Warrant Officer in the summer of 1992. Shortly afterward, his wife Glady was diagnosed with cancer. After a long battle, she passed away in June of 1994. But God had further plans and, just when he thought married life for him was over, Neil met Tanga. Neil and Tanga were married in June of 1998. Neil was blessed with a larger blended family and leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Tanga, his daughters Trudy and Jodie (Willy), his stepsons Glenn and Dean (Trisha), his many grandchildren Courtney, Devon, Deanna, Bethany, Claire, Layla, Alanna, Cody, Joshua, KateLynn, Faith, Heather and Aurora, and one great-grandchild Avery.
Neil was an avid fisherman over the years, he loved catching salmon and halibut. Neil always had a project on the go around the house, whether it was building a shed, an outdoor office, simply maintaining something, or gardening. Neil was also an Amateur Radio Operator for many years. Due to his background in Transportation, Neil taught several people how to drive (not just his daughters) and this usually included extensive teaching of the mechanics of a vehicle before he’d allow anybody to get behind the wheel.
Neil had a deep love for the Lord Jesus and his church family. He was a very active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and served there for many years and in various ways. He was always ready to pitch in and help where needed. Neil will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
A special thank you to the Saanich Peninsula Hospice staff for their care of Neil in his final days. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2121 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Neil’s memory may be made to The Mustard Seed of Victoria, B.C.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Neil Blackburn May 23 1939 – August 11 2019..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique