It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Wayne McNeil on July 06, 2026, at the University of Alberta Hospital, with his family by his side.
Richard was born on May 5, 1951, in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, and was predeceased by his mother Margaret, his father Rannie, his brother Ronnie, and his sister Carol. He will be forever missed by his wife of fifty-four years, Donna, his three children Steven(Mandy), Pamela(Clint), and Lisa(Steve), his grandchildren Jordan(Alex), Darian, Cala, Merek, and Matthew, his great-grandson Ryker, his brothers Blair and Donnie, his extended family, friends, former colleagues, and the many students whose lives he touched.
Richard lived a life defined by integrity and an enthusiasm for sharing ideas and insights, whether that be pitching commercials, writing letters to the editor, or coming up with new inventions and business plans. He was devoted to his family, and looked for every opportunity to take them on new adventures, be that to Florida, Oak Island, a countryside blueberry patch, or a brook off the road to wet a line. He loved road trips and in his later years he and Donna enjoyed world travelling, including a train trip through the U.S., as one of his great joys was trains. They also made a trip to Scotland to cap his decades-long research into the McNeil genealogy. In the last year, he was able to take a long-awaited road trip to Alaska and up to the Yukon to pan for gold, casting his line all along the way. Many know of his love for fishing as he was always looking for a place to drop a hook.
Richard spent the majority of his career as a Power Engineer, working it and teaching it, and earned the respect of his colleagues through his skill, professionalism, and unwavering work ethic. He loved his vocation and made many lasting friendships across the country throughout the years.
He was fulfilled by guiding family and friends down a path he felt was right, based on the many ups and downs of his own life, and he took pride in mentoring the next generation, be it his family, friends, or his students. His practical knowledge and ability to inspire confidence had a lasting impact on everyone he knew.
Richard will be remembered for his sense of humor and ability to make people laugh – he was a master story teller and was known for his elaborate and sometimes unbelievable tales. He will also be remembered for offering his strong, yet honest opinions and for his dependable nature, as he was someone people could count on. He was always willing to help family, offer advice to a friend, or share stories from a lifetime of experience. He also believed in doing every job well and in passing knowledge onto others, leaving behind a legacy that touched so many.
The family wishes to thank everyone who offered their love and support during this difficult time. Though he is no longer with us, his lessons, his kindness, and the example he set will continue to guide those who knew and loved him.
In his honor, we ask that in lieu of flowers you make a donation to his favorite charity – the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The link is https://makeawishca.donordrive.com/campaign/In-Memory-of-Richard-Wayne-McNeil
We are so sorry to hear that Rich is gone. Our deepest condolences to Donna and the Family. Rich was a kind and lovely man we so enjoyed when he came to live with us in Lloydminster, when he would come home from work Rich and I would sit outside and enjoy a very relaxing beverage. We will always remember you dear friend. Love The Finlay’s
Sincere condolences to Donna and family. I spent several years working with Richard at AVTC. Sad to hear of his passing.
Rich was a mentor, a friend and that guy that made you smile the moment you saw him coming. Always a source of knowledge and one to challenge you to think about a solution. Rich was instrumental in getting my career on track as a power engineer and encouraged me to apply for a job in Lloydminster Saskatchewan.. I have never looked back. Thanks Rich and we’ll share a laugh somewhere over the rainbow.
Donna and family we are very sad to hear of Richard‘s passing so many good memories of years gone by and laughs that we had you guys were a beautiful couple and I hope all the fond memories will help you in the days ahead ,sincere sympathy to you and your family and may God help to heal your broken heart . Jeri and Gary MacDonald.
Donna, family members and friends. My deepest condolences on reading of Richie’s passing. He was a childhood friend of mine. His legacy and memories will live in our hearts forever.
Rest in Peace. My Sincere condolences to Donna and Family
Sending my sincere condolences to you Donna and family at this very heartfelt time of loss . May his spirit fly high and envelope his loved ones and friends xoxo
Well Rich, I’m gonna miss you. We had a great time together and I really really thinking of you all the time. I’m glad we had that last trip to Dublin and Scotland. We didn’t get to see and I didn’t get to the bar Islands, but we did see them from the Isle of sky anyway I’ll see you on the other side and I’m gonna bring a two slingshots with me and only you and I know what that’s about anyway God bless bye