NEIL GARY AVERY

Condolences & Memories (33 entries)

• So sorry to hear about Neil, have never forgotten the fond memories of the Avery family. Take care Josie. I will try to reach out to you. - Posted by: Angie Smith (Friend) on: Jul 11, 2025

• Our deepest condolences to Neil’s family. Our memories oof him are his kindness and his wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. Bonnie and Jack ❤️ - Posted by: Bonnie and Jack Stickley (Friend) on: Mar 07, 2025

• So very sorry to hear about Neil's passing. I can remember Neil and Grant from Northwood Community Centre when I was the Recreation Coordinator in the 1960's as they were involved in many of the sport activities at the Club. Also had the opportunity to work with Josie in the 1980's In St. James Assiniboia. Neil was a happy go lucky young kid, grew up to be a personable young man, and was a very capable hockey referee that seemed to keep him young at heart. Our sympathy goes out to Josie and Family. John and Marge Mirus. - Posted by: John Mirus (Friend) on: Mar 04, 2025

• Our deepest condolences on your loss of such a wonderful husband, father and friend Neil was so caring and admired by so many. Always a pleasure to visit and catch up on old times we shared. RIP Neil. Bob Kris and family - Posted by: Bob and Kris Ouellette (Friend, schoolmate, team mate) on: Mar 02, 2025

• We are so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. May the memories last forever. - Posted by: Ken meakin (Friend) on: Mar 02, 2025

• To Josie and family, so very sorry to learn of Neil's heartbreaking and tragic passing. It's evident that Neil touched alot of lives along the way and will be missed by all who were fortunate to meet him! Fond remembrance of our wild days on Magnus Ave! Please know our thoughts are with you at this very sad and difficult time. Take care. Lynda Ruban & Ollie Carlson - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (Old north end neighbour) on: Feb 24, 2025

• Shocked and saddened to hear of Neil's sudden passing . I knew him from Little League baseball and later as he refereed in various Old Timers hockey leagues ,along with some of my Grandkids early hockey days . . Also remember his able and compassionate assistance with my Dad's burial .An all-round good guy . Never heard a bad word said about him, even as a Ref . He will be missed .Sincere condolences to the Family . - Posted by: Jock Rodgers (Friend) on: Feb 21, 2025

• I was shocked when I heard the news yesterday. My sincere condolences to you Josie and your family. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Jamie Jacobucci (Cousin of Josie) on: Feb 20, 2025

• Josie & family: We were shocked and saddened to learn of Neil's passing. We only knew Neil for a couple of years but he was always friendly and helpful when we lived at 19 Heartland Trail. He always seemed to be busy when the rest of us were taking it easy. Hold onto the memories. - Posted by: Cliff & Alayne Pearen (former neighbors) on: Feb 20, 2025

• I first met Neil during my first couple of summers, working at the zoo. He was always a happy and helpful co-worker. I was then reacqauinted with him when I started playing Oldtimer's hockey and Neil would referee some of our games. He always offered a smile and had such a pleasant way about him. My thoughts are with Josie and Neil's entire family. Kindest Regards, Ron Enberg - Posted by: Ron Enberg (Friend) on: Feb 20, 2025

• Remembering Neil as an easy going friend. Was always around to help anyone in need. Will be surely missed by family and friends. Josie hang onto those memories to help you and the family heal. Sending our sincere condolences to Josie, Kristin and Paul. - Posted by: Debbie and Doug Eklund (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2025

• Josie my most sincere condolences on the sudden loss of Neil. Thinking of you and hope the comfort of friends and family will see you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Diane Banash (City friend of Josie) on: Feb 19, 2025

• This is truly very sad news. I have many great memories of playing sports with Neil at Northwood as we grew up together. He will be remembered for always being genuinely happy and an amazing friend. My sincere condolences to his wife Josie and children. - Posted by: Brian Chorney (Friend) on: Feb 16, 2025

• He was a long time favourite client. He was always fun and a joy to be around. It is such a tragedy and loss. My sincere condolences to Josie and family, he will certainly be missed. Love Mike - Posted by: Mike Gosselin (Friend and Hairstylist) on: Feb 16, 2025

• Neil and I officiated for over 25 years in a Sunday morning old timers hockey league. Despite the early morning hour, Neil would always brighten my day in the dressing room with his satirical comments related to hockey and life in general. I’m sure I can speak for the entire old timers hockey community, you will be missed! - Posted by: John Neil (Friend and fellow hockey referee) on: Feb 16, 2025

• Oh Josie sending huge condolences & much love to you & your family it’s been many years since our time together at the City but beautiful people remain in our hearts forever and Neil was one of those beautiful people…sending hugs & love - Posted by: Jamie Sobering (Friend) on: Feb 16, 2025

• Josie, Kristin and Paul, we were saddened to hear of Neil’s passing. Neil was a great man and we will always remember his humor and wit. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. With sympathy; Mark, Jeannette, Owen and Ethan Watson - Posted by: Mark Watson (Friend) on: Feb 16, 2025

• I just want to offer my condolences to you and your family Josie. Neil was one of the good guys. Usually smiling and always friendly!! - Posted by: John Ford (Co-worker) on: Feb 16, 2025

• We are saddened by Neil's passing. For close to 30 years, Neil was our neighbour. Always a warm smile, a friendly comment and of course a lighthearted tease. He was known by so many in the neighbourhood for his friendliness and warmth. He was the kind of person you knew you could count on for a helping hand, advice or just to share a laugh. He made our neighbourhood a better place just by being in it. Our sympathy to Josie, Kristen and Paul. Sincerely, Eileen and Ken - Posted by: Eileen and Ken Kirton (Neighbour) on: Feb 16, 2025

• Neil refereed many of our hockey games when I played for the Steelers. Fantastic guy, great referee, and was liked by all the players in the league. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Hank Lodewyks (Friend) on: Feb 15, 2025

• I’ve known the Avery family for over 35 years. Neil is one of the kindness, compassion, thoughtful, humble, humorous man that I have had the pleasure of knowing. Neil and Josie and Bob and I would meet for breakfast and talk about hockey, softball and the problems of the world. The last breakfast we shared was just a day or two before they left on their holiday. Neil would always take a keen interest in my granddaughters who played softball and talk about his memories of baseball. I will miss him terribly as they don’t make many that could fit in his shoes. To Josie, Kristen and Paul please stay close and comfort one another. Love you all Sam and Bob - Posted by: Sharon McDougall (Family friend) on: Feb 15, 2025

• Condolences to the whole family. I went to school with Neil and played 16 year-old 'midget' hockey with him at Northwood CC. (on the same line, in fact) He was an elite player and a fantastic teammate. So gentlemanly on and off the ice, just a super nice guy! We stayed in touch for many years afterwards as he refereed my beer league games at the Highlander (now Can-Lan) and often reminisced about Sisler, Northwood and the North End in general. Bumped into him at Costco last summer and again had a nice friendly chat. He was in a hurry but took the time to visit, just so polite and considerate. So sorry again! - Posted by: Dave Coffell (friend and hockey teammate) on: Feb 15, 2025

• I have known Neil for over 30+years. This is the most devastating news one can receive when you lose a dear dear friend. No words can express the loss. Josie, Neil and Bob and I would meet for our breakfast and would talk hockey, softball and what ever we could contribute to the world crisis. There will always be a void in the Avery household I pray Josie, Kristen and Paul lean on each other during this emotional time. I love you all and will be for you. Love Sam and Bob - Posted by: Sharon McDougall (Friend) on: Feb 15, 2025

• So sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. Have fond childhood memories of auntie Grace, uncle Bill, cousins Grant & Neil. Out deepest condolences. - Posted by: Wendy Bruneau. Née Walker (Cousin) on: Feb 15, 2025

• I frequently ran into Neil in my shop and at Brookside Cemetary as well as seeing him in Charleswood where we both resided. My sincere condolences to Josie and family on this sad occasion. RIP Neil - Posted by: Bob Haimes (Worked for the City and frequently crossed paths with Neil.) on: Feb 15, 2025

• So sorry for your Lost, Josie My condolence to you and your Family. Lot of memories playing against him in Hockey (C.U.A.C and Northwood Community Club) and few games refereeing with him. - Posted by: Michael J Kubas (Old Hockey Friend (neighbour)) on: Feb 15, 2025

• I played in the Charleswood Mens Hockey League where Neil was the Head Ref. I really enjoyed Niel's laid back personality and comradery during and after the games. He will be missed. - Posted by: Steve Tait (Hockey) on: Feb 15, 2025

• My deepest condolences to you, Josie and your family. My thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Charlene Slingsby (Coworker/friend) on: Feb 15, 2025

• A Dear Cousin that I grew up with from a vey early age . Great memories of our childhood. Rest in peace Dear cousin . See you in the ever after . Sandra - Posted by: Sandra Molter (Cousin) on: Feb 15, 2025

• I crossed paths with Neil while working landscape with the city. Neil and myself had many engaging conversations. He was one of the good guys. My Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Donald Campbell (Former co-worker) on: Feb 15, 2025

• I was so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing so tragically.. know Josie, you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a great guy and my one favorite memory was when he showed us his “Irish dancing” at your place he was going to do an Irish Pavilion. Sending big hugs, my friend. - Posted by: Terry Lynne Hause (Welling-Skorodenski) (Friend/co-worker) on: Feb 15, 2025

• Please accept our deepest Condolences. My earliest memory of Neil and his brother giving my brother and I our first set of hockey equipment. He was such a nice and friendly human being, always had a smile on on his face. - Posted by: Guy Allford (Related thru the Gibson / Woodrow) on: Feb 15, 2025

• So sorry for your loss. He indeed enriched people’s lives. - Posted by: Elaine Bennett (Former neighbor) on: Feb 15, 2025