Neil died unexpectedly on May 4, 2023. However, that's not the important part! The important part is that Neil lived for 70 years. Neil loved and was loved by absolutely wonderful people. Neil was the father of his two daughters, Hilary and Gillian, who were the center of his world. Neil met Leslie Walker in 1998 and he was never the same; Leslie was the rock Neil had been looking for. Neil had the most wonderful son-in-law, Michael Maisonneuve, who became just like a son to him. Henrik was born in December 2019 and Neil became Papa: the role he most cherished in his life. Henrik was the light of Neil's life and brought endless joy and purpose.

Neil had an incredible family: sisters Louise and Heather; brother-in-law Tim; nephew and nieces Neil (Mattea), Elisabeth (Mitch), Laura, Carolyn (Garrett), Ludovic and Bosco; great-nieces Dahlia, Skyla, Leona and Serena; cousins Bev (Jim), Jane (Neil), Michael, Laurie and Anna-Marie (Tony).

Neil was predeceased by his parents C.J. (Kirk) Kirkpatrick and Barbara Phyllis Kirkpatrick nee Copper; by his former spouse and mother of his daughters Bonnie Kim Kirkpatrick, nee Cherry; by aunts and uncles Hugh Cunningham, Ruth Cunningham, nee Kirkpatrick, Helene Gergley, nee Kirkpatrick, David Brydon, Jo Brydon, nee Copper; and by cousins Sarah (Sally) Brydon and Richard Cunningham.

To know Neil is to be Neil's friend! Neil was so fortunate to have such wonderful and close friendships: Joe, Liz, Ken, Jean, Raeleen, Peter, Bev, Jason, Ruth, Blair, Linda, Derek, Judi, Glen, Louise F., Ian, Marlene, Jim M., Sharon, Oryssia, Bill H., Bill M., Brant, Tom, Tim H., Anna, Jim O., Neil W., Mel… the list goes on! Hilary and Gillian's friends were also very dear to his heart and he was always so pleased to know them.

Neil loved his work of more than 37 years: Western Development Museum, National Museums of Canada, Land Tenure Secretariat, Small Business Policy, Legislature of Alberta, Alberta Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade Policy, Western Economic Diversification. Though Neil loved his work, his life was not defined by it. He really lived for his family and his friendships; this was his legacy.

"In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make" - Lennon and McCartney

Please join family and friends for a celebration of Neil's life on Tuesday May 23, 2023 at 3:30 pm, at Park Memorial Reception Centre, 11015 - 101 Street, Edmonton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Radius Community Health and Healing:

Radius Community Health and Healing