NEIL HOLROYD -

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NEIL HOLROYD 1933 - 2013 It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful death of Neil Wesley Holroyd of Winnipeg, MB on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the age of 79 years. His sisters, Betty Poierer and Cynthia Ehnes and their families, as well as a number of friends; some of whom are local merchants he frequented and relied on for over 20 years, will remember Neil fondly. His parents, Thomas and Sylvia and brother, Raymond predeceased Neil. Neil was born in Rosedale, MB and graduated high school in Sydney, MB in 1950. He then moved to Winnipeg to attend Normal School in order to become a teacher. Neil taught in schools in both rural Manitoba and Winnipeg until 1956 when he joined the Canadian Forces. He was stationed at CFB ASU Shilo in southern Manitoba where he served for three years. After being discharged from the army, Neil acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree at St. John's College. After graduation, he worked as an accountant at the Sheraton Hotel in Winnipeg until 1978 when he left to look after his aging mother. When his mother died in 1981, Neil moved into the suite located above the parish hall of All Saints Anglican Church in downtown Winnipeg, where he took on the office of verger, overseeing with vigor and unmatched dedication, the care of the church building for almost 30 years. In 2011, Neil was assaulted, leaving him with a hip injury that forced him to move into a seniors' residence in Winnipeg, where he continued to live a predominately solitary life, punctuated with much-appreciated visits by his dear friends who laundered his clothes, delivered his groceries and brought him his tea. Neil believed in buying local before it was trendy, was a die-hard Folk Festivaler, a lover of classical music, a veracious reader and a nature enthusiast. To those who loved him, Neil was an old school eccentric and a gentleman mad hatter. He was quirky, charming and full of good conversation. May he rest in peace. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, May 22, 7:00 p.m., at saint benedict's table, 175 Colony Street (All Saints Anglican Church). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Living Prairie Museum, 2795 Ness Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3S4 one of Neil's favourite places in Manitoba. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 18, 2013