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Neil C. Everson

1958 - 2021

Neil C. Everson obituary, 1958-2021, Hamilton, ON

BORN

1958

DIED

2021

Neil Everson Obituary

"I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong." Neil Everson, king of Dad jokes, chronic dog-walker, loving husband, and father, passed away Thursday April 8th at 62 years old. The last two years of Neil's life were guided through the caring staff in the Flamborough unit at Chartwell-Willowgrove Long Term Care. Neil worked at the City of Hamilton for 28 years, until he retired as Director of Economic Development in 2016. Neil was also a professional curler, a master golfer, and an owner of a prize-winning show dog (Neil also embellished from time to time). Neil had early-onset Alzheimer's, and has finally found peace from his disease. Neil's wife (Peggy) and sons Mark (Amanda) and Bill (Cy) ask that in honour of his memory, remove any shame in speaking openly about your mental health struggles, and do not be afraid to ask for help. A cremation and private family service has taken place. Neil is now embarking on the longest dog-walk yet - so if a donation in his honour wishes to be made, please consider the Hamilton SPCA.

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Published by The Hamilton Spectator on Apr. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Neil Everson

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45 Entries

Al

May 16, 2022

Went to Prospect School with Neil, "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was a sometimes nickname. Nice guy, smart. Talked me into a Boy Scouts meeting once:). You could tell he was gonna do well early on.

Mary Lee Mehagan

May 6, 2021

Growing up in the Baptist church in Port Arthur we had lits if fun in Sunday school and youth group. Sadly after Maryanne and Neil moved away we list touch. R.I.P. Neil you can soar with the angels please accept my . Condolences . Keeping you all in our prayers.

Carolyn Biggs

April 22, 2021

Dear Peggy
I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Neil's passing. I first had the pleasure of working with Neil back in the 1980's when he was with the SBDC and I was in Economic Development. Although our careers took different paths, I had the privilege of working with Neil as he achieved great strides as the Director of Economic Development. He was a consummate professional but at the same time, his sense of humor always came through. I always remember the Jar of wine gums that he kept in his office. Over the years, I always considered Neil to be a good friend. I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to you, Mark and Amanda and Bill and Cy. I hope your memories will give you comfort and strength in the coming days.

Carolyn Biggs
Friend and Co-worker

Dolores Durant

April 21, 2021

Peggy and family, my deepest condolences. May you take comfort in happy, loving memories.

Marilyn and Brad Gris

April 21, 2021

Our most heartfelt sympathies to the Everson family. Your love and support for each other will guide your healing.

Oscar Kichi

April 20, 2021

condolences to Neil family he was one of the good guy at city of Hamilton RIP

Shawn Chamberlin

April 17, 2021

This is a great loss. It is difficult to talk about Neil without smiling. His jokes were infectious but usually awful. A great contributor to the community of Hamilton. He will be remembered. Our thoughts go to Peggy and family.

Dr.Valerie-Dawn Girhiny

April 17, 2021

To the EVERSON famiy,
I have not had the honour of knowing Neil or you his remarkable family.
Sometimes others are helped and uplifted by our response to personal grief and loss.
The love filled obituary for your clearly gifted, fun loving and caring family member Neil
touched my heart. Your honouring request demonstrates the kindness and passion for good
in the EVERSON family. To each of you I send sincere condolences and a prayer for a
Blessed Repose and Eternal Memory for Neil.

Brent Sleightholm

April 16, 2021

What a loss. Neil made more friends than anyone I know. And he built more in Hamilton than anyone in several generations. Peace, Brother Neil.

John Dolbec

April 16, 2021

He did more the City of Hamilton than any other single individual. A dedicated civil servant. But more than that, he was a Prince of a man, and a good friend. We will miss him!

Don Baxter

April 16, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. I worked with him on many economic development projects, and he always went about his work in a professional manner blended with a great sense of humour. He contributed so much to Hamilton and to his profession.
Don Baxter

Mike Cameron

April 15, 2021

Just heard the sad news about Neil. He was such a nice guy. Always a pleasure to work with when I was a producer at Cable 14. And he did so much for Hamilton. I think he would have made a wonderful mayor! Wanna name a street, Hamilton. Name one after this guy. Everson Way sounds about right! RIP, Neil.

Ron McKerlie

April 14, 2021

Mohawk College is saddened to hear of the recent passing of Neil Everson. Neil was a friend and ally of the Mohawk College community who helped forge our exemplary relationship with City of Hamilton and Economic Development. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. In deepest sympathy Ron McKerlie, President & CEO, Mohawk College

Tony Tollis

April 14, 2021

Rest In Peace Neil. Your life was short but filled with much success. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to Neils family.

Lauren Millier

April 13, 2021

Truly a wonderful and inspiring man. He will be missed.

Rob Belchior

April 13, 2021

I had the pleasure of working in Neil's department and remember his kindness, sense of humour and professionalism.

Dr Louis Shallal

April 13, 2021

Just to say that I knew Neil for a short time when I was the CIO for the City of Hamilton and found him a true gentleman and a person who one can easily admire. I always depended on his friendship and good judgement.

Nadine And Dave Morrison

April 12, 2021

Dear Peg, Mark and Bill, oh goodness all you have experienced with this wild roller coaster ride. We are holding each of you in our thoughts with smiles. Neil is up in Heaven at peace, playing board games, making angels groan with his jokes, celebrating New Year’s Eve every night, challenging folks to water gun fights, and more. Neil was a big brother to me, and together he and Peg shared their world with ours. Your dedication to faith, each other, family and friends inspired and encouraged who we are now 25 years later. Your light shines bright and may each of you feel peace and comfort as you adventure into the next chapter. We love you! Nadine, Dave and Sebastien

Nadine And Dave Morrison

April 12, 2021

Dear Peg, Mark and Bill, oh goodness all you have experienced with this wild roller coaster ride. We are holding each of you in our thoughts with smiles. Neil is up in Heaven at peace, playing board games, making angels groan with his jokes, celebrating New Year’s Eve every night, challenging folks to water gun fights, and more. Neil was a big brother to me, and together he and Peg shared their world with ours. Your dedication to faith, each other, family and friends inspired and encouraged who we are now 25 years later. Your light shines bright and may each of you feel peace and comfort as you adventure into the next chapter. We love you! Nadine, Dave and Sebastien

Mike Kovacevic

April 12, 2021

I am so sad to hear of Neil's passing. I hope great memories of Neil will help his wife and sons with their grief. Neil was a great person. He was so friendly, kind and laid back. Working with Neil was an absolute pleasure. I also loved his sense of humour. On one file he commented the development was delayed because of the presence of an American Badger. He said that should not delay approval because being an American Badger it was just a tourist and could not possibly live in the area of the development. Rest in peace Neil, I know you will have everybody smiling in heaven.

BARRY COE

April 12, 2021

loved the city of Hamilton and the people who made it distinct. I has the pleasure to speak with Neil in my capacity as Director of Marketing at Amity Goodwill and Mission Services. On all occasions when I requested a meeting for advice he always replied with a smile and made me feel I was never being intrusive of his time. I also admired his passion for Hamilton and its great potential. May God bless you.

Joseph Speranzini

April 12, 2021

Neil was a fine person who made Hamilton a better place and the lives of all who met him richer. He was a large positive credit to his family and to his community. Neil was a wonderful, dynamic and effective representative of the City and a terrific human. Neil helped make us "Hamilton Proud" before it was trendy. We very much need many, many more like Neil. He is missed but not forgotten.

Julia van der Laan de Vries

April 12, 2021

I worked with Neil at the City of Hamilton. He was a terrific person and a great leader. Very down to earth too! I am sorry to hear about his passing.

Angela Gravelle

April 12, 2021

I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Neil... and to his family, my sincere condolences. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort at this difficult time. I had the privilege of knowing Neil through various economic development initiatives in both the cities of Hamilton & Burlington and EDCO/EDAC. Neil was always very professional, kind and genuine. #RIEP

Deborah Abbott

April 11, 2021

Sorry to hear of your loss Peggy. Neil was a great leader in his role in Economic Development and will be remembered for his calming ways with staff. He will be missed.

Janice Atwood-Petkovski

April 11, 2021

Neil was one of the kindest individuals I have had the pleasure to know throughout my career. I will always remember the many hours in long meetings where his inimical sense of humour and timing brightened and enlightened. A wonderful colleague and consummate professional. Rest In Peace Neil.

Robert Fine

April 11, 2021

So sad to hear the news. I worked with Neil on the EDAC and IEDC boards and I always was amazed at his knowledge and love of the profession. But the best times were the times catching meals at those events ..and enjoying Peggy’s company as well. Neil assisted me in my work long past our Board times. A committed, super smart and deliriously corny joke man who brightened up the most challenging of times. Sleep arm my friend

Larry Szpirglas

April 11, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. He was an amazing professional who did so much for all of us living in the greater Hamilton area; but what set him apart from so many was his engaging personality, his ability to listen and make you feel that he was hearing you as well.
An exemplary professional and an awesome person. He will be missed by all.

Tim McCabe

April 11, 2021

As a co-worker with Neil at the City of Hamilton, I know Neil was a true professional and with his dedication, humour and knowledge was a major part of the success of our Senior Management Team with the Department if Planning and Economic Development. Neil genuinely loved his City of Hamilton.
As the first Canadian Board Member of the International Economic Development Association, I was fortunate to travel with Neil on conferences to several great US cities studying best practices and, of course, best golf courses to play!
Neil had many successes, the least of which included landing Canada Bread and Maple Leaf Foods large plants for Hamilton as part of very competitive process with other municipalities.
Thank you Neil for all you brought to the City and to my own learning and enjoyment.
To Peggy and the Boys; my heartfelt condolences to your family for your deep loss. Neil will be missed by all of us.

Greg Borduas

April 11, 2021

Peggy, Mark and Bill - I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Neil. Please accept my condolences. I had the privilege of being a friend and professional colleague of Neil's. We travelled extensively with EDAC in our roles as EDAC Board Members. One special role we shared was being the "EDAC Chauffer" and piloting the EDAC rental vehicle on the many journey's across the globe with board members in tow! Neil was a kind and professional man - one of which I am truly proud to be considered a friend first and a colleague second.

David Adames

April 11, 2021

I had the pleasure of knowing Neil both as a colleague and as a boss - he was the same professional and ethical person in both roles! He was most proud of his family and always spoke with immense pride about his boys. As you go through life you can count on one hand those individuals who leave a lasting impression for the right reasons - for me, Neil is one of them. The last time that I saw Neil was on a trail - he and Peggy were walking their boxer - I'm on that trail frequently and it will be a memory I will keep!

Casey A. Johnson

April 11, 2021

On occasion, I too had the pleasure of working with Neil during my time with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Neil was always so kind to me and an absolute wealth of knowledge. He was the kind of person who left a mark on you. One that will never be forgotten. Sending the entire family my very sincere condolences from England.

Wilhelm Rinas

April 10, 2021

My deepest sympathies for your loss Peggy. I have great memories of Neil when we all worked together in Economic Development.

Jack Brown

April 10, 2021

A true gentleman...May he rest in peace...

Fred Morley

April 10, 2021

Neil was a complete economic developer. He built a unique and extraordinarily effective economic development model in Hamilton. He gave back to his profession through his leadership on IECD and EDAC boards to an extent that will be difficult for anyone to match. But as important as his community and profession was to him, his family came first. I am glad he is at peace. But I will miss my friend.

Penny Gardiner

April 10, 2021

Peggy, Mark & Bill I am saddened to hear of Neil’s passing. I have always considered myself lucky to have Neil call me his friend. Neil and I had many travels together over the 30 years we have know each other. Sending condolences, prayers and love Penny Gardiner

Judy Lam

April 10, 2021

I was reunited with Neil when I joined the city. We had met in our previous life in the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. Neil had a great sense of humour and gentle nature. I loved his proud stories of his family and dog. We will miss you Neil.

Elizabeth Konca

April 10, 2021

I’ll remember Neil in many positive ways-with a big smile and a great sense of humor, always great with a story.

Jerry Kitich

April 10, 2021

Very sorry to hear this. From my brief time at Economic Development, I know he was one of the bright lights at the City of Hamilton. My condolences to his family. He was a great person.

Judi Partridge

April 10, 2021

Neil was a kind, professional man who played a huge role in helping me as a Councillor and his staff attract many businesses to Flamborough Innovation Park. In fact it was Neil and his staff who helped shepherd economic development in the early days ~ in true Neil fashion, he has left us an amazing legacy throughout Hamilton. Rest in Peace Neil knowing Hamilton is a better place because of you. God Bless his family and friends., kind regards Judi Luxon Partridge

Glenn Gibson

April 10, 2021

I am deeply sorry to learn of Neil's passing. I had interaction with Neil in his role with the City and I always found him to be a first class individual. He had a quiet sense of humour about him that popped up unexpectedly at times which was always appreciated. Deep Regrets. Glenn Gibson- Vice Chairman- Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Kevin Christenson

April 10, 2021

Neil was a champion of all things Hamilton...such a good and honorable man. I enjoyed talking to Neil at City Hall from time to time. He always lifted my spirits. Rest in peace Neil.

Dilna Khory

April 10, 2021

Dear Peggy and family, I was so very sad to hear of the untimely passing of your beloved Neil. We have happy memories of our times in Ec. Dev. and take comfort in knowing that he is in a better place, in peace. I pray that you will have the strength to bear this loss and you have your beautiful kids to support you. Do keep in touch, if you wish, Peg. Much love and hugs, Dilna

Bob b Bratina

April 10, 2021

During my time on council and as mayor Neil stood out as a person of character, ability and decency, underscored by his sense of humour. My deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.

Drew Blair

April 10, 2021

Neil a true gentleman and professional. I had the honour of knowing him for over 30 years and in the beginning it was all business but we also quickly became friends. Will always remember his jokes at the end of phone call and his unselfish manner in the way he conducted himself. May you Rest In Peace !

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