Neil Myers

On Monday, August 30, 2010 at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, Neil passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Neil was born Monday, November 7, 1932 at The Pas Hospital to Irene and Loren Myers. He was the eldest of five children; Ken, Ivan, Rita and Ruth. Neil spent most of his life in Cormorant except for 2 years when family moved to Cranberry Portage, where they were involved in the pulp wood operation. At the age of 15, Neil became a foreman in the Logging operation. From Cranberry Portage the family moved to Saskatchewan hoping to farm but this didn’t pan out, so they moved back up north where Neil spent the rest of his life making his living at commercial fishing, trapping, fish box manufacturing, logging and guiding tourists during hunting and fishing seasons. Along with his Dad and brothers, Neil was also a cattle farmer along the muddy river until Grand Rapids dam was built and they were flooded out. On September 1, 1955 he married Margaret Skulmoski. 2010 makes their 55 years together. They had 4 children, Judy, Mitchell, Sheila and Donald. In 1965 Sarah Nabess became their daughter. Neil’s love for family extended beyond his own. He and his wife became foster parents to many children. To this day Roxy Moose and Stuart Hart from Nelson House are still a part of their family. Neil has 7 grandchildren: Mandy, Keri, Crystal, Justin, Jim, Michelle and Donovan; 7 great grandchildren Donald, Tristen, Shenelle, Lukas, Joby, Natalie and Charlee. Neil was very dedicated to the community. He served as Mayor and was a key player in building the “car bridge”. In January 1977 he was presented with a Manitoba pin by Honorable Ron McBride along with his councilors Lawrence Ducharme, Roy Nagle and Ted Greenwood. For Neil this bridge was the final link between Cormorant and all parts of Canada. For several years Neil was a Community Constable and an on-call worker for the Nursing Station. Neil was also on the Volunteer Fire Department. Even after he retired, he had the interest of the community at heart. Yes, Neil has led a great life. He has been an inspiration to many people; his family, his friends and those who knew him well. He will be deeply missed by all of us. Our hope and prayer is that those of us who will miss him most will be comforted by the many experiences we have shared with him and each other and the beautiful memories of him that we will forever treasure. We are all better off from our time spent with this wonderful man, thank you Neil. On Saturday, September 4, 2010 family and friends gathered at Hemauer Funeral Home where Don Hickey (son-in-law) shared family memories of Neil’s grandkids. Sarah Nabess and Madeline (daughter-in-law) shared some special memories, followed by a picture tribute which was made and given to Neil on his 75th birthday by Madeline. Don Hickey said the closing prayer and each family member honored Neil by placing a rose during the closing song “When I Get To Where I’m Going”. In accordance with Neil’s wishes cremation took place and on Monday, September 6, 2010, Neil was laid to rest beside his son Donald in the Cormorant Cemetery. His family gathered around to say farewell. Neil’s son-in-law, Don Hickey read passages from the scriptures and led the family in the Lord’s Prayer. Neil was predeceased by his parents Irene and Lorne Myers; and son Donald. Neil is survived by his wife Margaret; children Judy (Don), Mitchell (Madeline), Sheila (Elliott), Sarah; grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous family and friends. If friends so desire, donations to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, MICU unit, MS107-820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3A 1R9, would be appreciated by Neil’s family.