Obituary of Richard Evan MacNeill
Richard “Rick” MacNeill, beloved husband of Leslie of Calgary, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at the age of 70 years.
Rick was born in Calgary, Alberta, June 29th, 1950. He spent his youth growing up in the south west community of Wildwood and was very active in community sports from a young age. In 1963 the family moved to Banff where the proximity to the mountains ignited Rick’s passion for skiing. He was an excellent skier and upon graduating high school Rick expanded his slopes to include some time in the Alps.
Upon returning to the west, and after a few short stops across the country and the exploration of various forms of employment, Rick’s true Alberta personae grounded him for good in Calgary. He pursued a very successful career in oil and gas, creating and developing a number of small enterprises mostly related to well and pipeline services, a career he pursued until his passing. In addition to his connection to oil and gas, Rick was also a true Calgarian and embraced the rich cowboy traditions of the city. He loved horses, the track, rodeo and the chucks and participated/attended events of that nature whenever possible. His Stampede exploits were/are legendary.
Further to his athletic pursuits already shared, Rick is also recognized as one of the “founders” of the Calgary Canucks Rugby Football Club. His association with this brotherhood of men combined with his oil and gas related travels across North and Central Americas, culminated in many mutually rich and deeply rewarding friendships and the stories that went hand in hand. In his later years his love of sports swung to golf with friends and family.
Around 2003, Rick met his loving partner, Leslie Garrison. They built a strong and supportive relationship through the years until Rick’s passing. Leslie was a true rock as Rick’s health faded and she was a constant at his bedside both in hospital and at home. Throughout the times of Rick’s good health, the two traveled around, often with other friends in tow to many destinations in Canada and the US. A true highlight being their trip to Australia to attend the wedding of Rick’s long time friend Gavin, to the lovely Chantel.
Rick was predeceased by his father Donald in 1978, his mother Muriel in 2002 and his Sister-in-law Rose in 2008.
Rick is survived by his older brother Mike (Cindy) sister Marj, and younger brother Scott (Kathy), his loving partner Leslie and her brother’s Tony (Denise) and Todd (Nancy), forever friend Shane (Robin) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins that all shared a deep special love with him. Not to mention how much he is missed by their wonderful four-legged fur baby, Tess.
Rick was a great storyteller and a true character, his friendships too many to include here. As such, there will be a celebration of Rick’s life at a later date once the world has opened up and we can all evoke some favorite memories and lift a proper glass. As a preference, please consider a donation to KidSport, “In memory” www.kidsport.ca