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BORN

1948

DIED

2020

Neil McTAGGART Obituary

McTAGGART, (Peter) Neil 1948 - 2020 Neil has transcended his many medical challenges. He slipped away peacefully at Dorothy Ley Hospice on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. He reluctantly leaves his wife and life partner Margaret who is comforted by his "perfect" dog Maggie. Son of the late Hubert (Mac) and Helen McTaggart. Neil grew up with his big brother John (Mandy) and little brother Mark. He joins John's and Mandy's baby Mathew, a sweet soul that we did not have the honour to watch grow and know. And as Mark's big brother, he was able to develop his special gift for dealing with children. Neil will also be missed by his many in-laws and friends: Mary (Richard), Kitty (John), Frances (Mike), Joe (Janina) and John (Mary). Neil was the ultimate uncle to Tom (Deb), Jamie (Anne), Chris (Kathryn), Christin (the late Chris), Beth (Dale), Anne (Dave), Paul (Elif), Francis (Liz), Sarah (Chris) Matthew (Andrea) and Will (Angela). The kids were the gift that kept on giving and Neil adored his great-nieces and nephews and apparently was adored in return: Kyle, Jack, Ethan, Silas, Aida, Ava, Wren, Tristen, Sophie, Carter, Iyla, Max, Lily and Carter's new brother who is en route. In a addition to a very fulfilling teaching career, Neil was also a hockey referee for over fifty years, and enthusiastic, if not expert, golfer, and an unofficial consumer advocate with a penchant for autos. Neil touched so many lives and people of all ages. His former students loved to reminisce and would thank him for his influence and in Neil's typical low key style he would be genuinely surprised that he had made such an impact on their lives. He so enjoyed the children and related to all ages. While other people might have found someone "challenging", Neil found them "interesting and fun". He leaves so many friends, neighbours and colleagues from his 72 years. In retirement and in remission, Neil fostered two Dog Guide puppies, Katie Mayhem and Ms Goldie Hound, both now Autism Assistance Service Dogs. And he delighted in raising them with the assistance of the marvelous "free range kids" of the neighbourhood. Neil was so grateful for all the marvelous medical assistance and assistants he encountered through the last nine years. He was especially blessed in caring and friendship with his many oncologists, Nurse Rebecca at Princess Margaret, Dr Kodsi, Dr. Marras, Dr Abel, Dr. Caulford, Dr. Zive and Nurse Vlad and PSW Jennifer. Neil has generously donated his body to the medical school at University of Toronto to assist and teach medical students. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Dorothy Ley Hospice and the Dog Guides of Canada were two of Neil's favourites. [email protected] and dlhospice.org When it is safe for all of us to gather we will have a Memorial Mass followed by a reception to celebrate the life of our Neil.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Toronto Star on Nov. 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Neil McTAGGART

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23 Entries

Marilyn Tremblay

January 22, 2021

Dear Margie, Although I did not have the splendid opportunity to meet Neil in person, I felt I knew him through phone calls with him but especially in talking with you. He was a very special, engaging small man. I know how your heart is so broken. Mending will take time. I am glad you have Maggie and your brothers, sisters and their families to lend support. Love, hugs and prayers, Cousin Marilyn

Wayne Duck

December 10, 2020

Neil you were a true mentor and friend.
Not only did you help me in my Refereeing but you also helped me start off in my supervisory role. You're going to be missed. RIP
Wayne Duck.

Marcia Myers

December 6, 2020

I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Margaret and to all of Neil's family. He was an exceptionally warm, gentle, kind man and I am fortunate that I knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.

Rita Pietrangelo

December 2, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the entire McTaggart family. Mr. McTaggart was my grade 6 teacher in 1976. I remember him as a very kind and gentle man. We were a very challenging group of kids and yet he always managed to keep us steady in a calming way, and as a class we enjoyed having him as our teacher. That year was the best year I had in elementary school, thank you Mr. McTaggart, God bless you and may you rest in peace.
Rita Pietrangelo
tcdsb teacher and former student

Michele & Rob

December 1, 2020

Neil will be remembered for his true humanity and generous spirit. We were blessed with Neil's unconditional friendship. He had a gift for making others feel special. He readily shared his caring nature and wonderful sense of humour. Neil will forever be in our hearts. Sincere condolences to Margaret and the entire family.

S. Missio

December 1, 2020

Mr. McTaggart was my school principal when I attended school many years ago. I remember his warm and caring spirit. His example of educational excellence has stayed with me and has informed my own career as an educational professional. Thank you, Mr. McTaggart for all that you have done. I hope that your family knows that God holds them close to Him as they mourn your loss.
My deepest condolences,
S. Missio

Jeff, Joyce and Aaron Pearlston Pearlston

December 1, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Neil’s influence and gentle nature will carry on in the heart and minds of all the lives he touched. A teacher, mentor and friend. When the arena is still and silent, we will miss you the most, yet your presence will continue to guide us. Rest well.

Mary A Grogan

November 30, 2020

Neil was a kind and caring teacher and administrator. His calm and easy manner always made his students feel a sense of belonging and community. He was a role model and mentor to many students. I offer my sincere wish that you feel comforted by the good memories, and by each other. May God coninue to bless you and comfort your during this difficult time.

Ryan Trainor

November 30, 2020

My deepest condolences to Neil's family and friends.

Mike Duggan

November 30, 2020

We knew Neil and his family since childhood. We were cousins. He was a good and kind man, a gentle soul. His work in the minor hockey world was exemplary and will long be remembered. His students will remember him fondly. RIP, Neil.

Sharon Robinson

November 30, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Ron Parkinson

November 30, 2020

My sincere condolences to the McTaggart family & friends. Neil's extended friendships had such a positive affect on so many of us.

Troy Whetstone

November 30, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I am so sorry for your loss.

Darren Armstrong

November 29, 2020

Neil will be truly missed. My sincere condolences to all of Neil’s family and many friends.

Alex Brunton

November 29, 2020

A really good mentor and man !

Neil Press

November 29, 2020

My condolences to the entire family during this difficult time. Neil was always generous with his time and supported every official he came in contact with. He will be sorely missed.

Sincerely yours,

Neil Press
Coworker

Mike Ringrose

November 29, 2020

My condolences to you and your family. During this challenging and difficult time I hope you find joy in his memory and all the little things that made Neil the man he was.

Greg Stephany

November 29, 2020

Neil was a great mentor and I will miss his guidance and talking with him! I became a better referee because of his guidance.

John federico

November 29, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Coleman Baslaw

November 29, 2020

Much respect and appreciation for your guidance and leadership. RIP.

Seth Kirshenbaum

November 29, 2020

Neil was a great mentor to me as well as a better friend. Both Margie and Neil were always very supportive of me and my family. He will be forever missed.

Paul Manz

November 28, 2020

Neil was always such a supportive, fostering, caring and loving Uncle. His example provided a light that I will use iluminate the path throughout my life. Thank you Neil.

John McTaggart

November 28, 2020

"Say not in grief, 'He is no more.' but live in thankfulness that he was" ~ Hebrew proverb

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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