John Doug Neill

John Doug Neill

Doug Neill 1948-2019

(John) Douglas Neill passed away on January 6, 2019 in the company of family.  He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a teacher, an actor, an athlete, a musician, and so much more: a true renaissance man who believed in a well-rounded life.

Doug is survived by his wife Sandra who was a strong and loving companion for forty-eight years, daughter Sarah Lewis (Derric), son Peter (Gillian), grandchildren Hazel, Kaelen and Marin, brother Rob (Patricia), sister Diane, brothers-in-law Glen Lamerton (Lesley) and Frank (Dolly) and a host of nieces and nephews; all loved him dearly and miss him already.

Doug retired from his career as a high school math teacher in Ontario in 2002 when he and Sandra decided to move to the Yukon to be closer to their grandchildren because to Doug, family was always the focus.  He doted on his grandchildren, taking them to activities, coaching their hockey teams, teaching them math, exposing them to the arts, ensuring that they too would enjoy a well-rounded life.  In moving to Whitehorse, Doug found a community that embraced his full range of interests.  Not one to let retirement stop him, he continued to teach at the Individual Learning Centre for nearly 14 years, sharing his expertise and passion for math. He played slo-pitch softball and hockey and was active in the Yukon’s Canadian Senior Games team.  And he loved pickleball!  He was also active in community theatre appearing in a variety of roles over the years, none more unlike him than Malvolio in Twelfth Night.  His friends from sports, theatre, and work were a great comfort over these short weeks of illness and their kindness and compassion was so appreciated.

The family would like to thank Drs. Kmet and Mayes and the nursing team at WGH for their thoughtful and professional care.
Doug asked that any celebration of his life allow for people to tell stories – he loved hearing people’s stories.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday May 30, 2019 at 5:00pm at the Multipurpose Room  in the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. 
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Food Bank or a charity of your choice.