Neil passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospice at the age of 79 after a struggle with lymphoma. Survived by loving family: wife of 47 years, Jo-Anne; daughter Christa (Grady); son Graham (Carrie); and grandchildren Wyatt, June and Gus. Also, in Yorkshire, England: brother Ian and family, and sister Joan and family. Missed by mother-in-law Fran Trembley. Predeceased by parents Hedley and Nellie Vickers and brother Alan, also in England.
Born in Yorkshire, England, Neil ventured to Canada on his own at 17 on the condition that he wrote home once a week. This he did, documenting his many adventures such as his work with the Hudson’s Bay fur trade in remote Northern Alberta, canning fruit in the Okanagan, and summers spent on the road installing traffic counters throughout BC. After graduating from UBC, Neil settled in Victoria where he met Jo-Anne and started his family. He worked for the Ministry of Highways for 35 years and was an active member of the Fairfield community where he lived. There he built the local Halloween bonfire for 25 years and co-founded a visionary community plastics recycling project. After retiring, he pursued interests such as metal detecting and raising funds for his favourite charity the BC and Alberta Guide Dogs via his far-reaching recycling endeavours. He also volunteered for the Times Colonist Book Drive for many years. Living in the same home for 45 years, he was a beloved character in the neighbourhood with a treat for every passing dog, a lap for any interested cat, and an impressive basement collection of miscellaneous odds and sods that neighbours in need could always rely on. It could be said that Neil’s life mission was to elicit a smile from those he met, and he leaves us with these words:
“I know my day has been worthwhile
If I have caused someone to smile.
And better still (at least by half)
Is if I made that person laugh!”
D.N.V.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Donations can be made in remembrance of Neil to the BC and Alberta Guide Dogs, 7061 Ladner Trunk Road, Delta, BC V4K 3N3.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Judith and Jim Lidgus
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Ro Fife Dear Jo-Anne and family
It was a privilege to get to work beside Neil on some of his volunteer endeavours in Fairfield at the community Centre.
I already miss his humour and will always appreciate our shared vision of the value of service.Holding you in the light at this time of loss and transition.
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kristin watson to jo-anne and the family, i send my most heartfelt condolences to each of you…..i am so sorry to read of your loss of neil….
i remember him so well from all of christa and amanda’s years together as the kindest of men – always present and helpful
whenever needed….take good care of one another in the days ahead….with warm love, kristin watson
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The Vickers Family Thank you everyone. The most comfort comes from hearing your memories of Neil, so if you have a story to share (flattering or not!) we would love to collect them here.
– The Vickers Family
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Craig Hammond Jo-Anne and family so sorry to notice Neil’s passing in the paper today. He truly was a fixture in the Cook St. village area and will be missed by many. We pray for God’s comfort for you at this difficult time.
With our love,
Craig and Brenda
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Theresa Vogel Jo-Anne and family,
Thinking of you all at this difficult time, and sending thoughts and prayers for peace in your hearts.
Theresa Vogel
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Richard Voyer Neil was a poet in his heart. He also had a very personal sense of humour. He always made sure that new Ministry of Highways employees felt welcomed in the office and introduced them to all his colleagues with his trademark smile as shown in the obit photo. That’s how he introduced to me my present wife, Jemay (Ronda) in the Highway Engineering Branch some 24 years ago.
Neil … You were the most sincere and down to earth friend we’ve known. Your passing left a massive hole in our hearts and lives.
Thanks for the laughs! We love you!!