NEIL AUSTIN EVERETT SEMPLE

1949 - 2022

SEMPLE, NEIL AUSTIN EVERETT January 1, 1949 – January 16, 2022 Dr. Neil Semple passed away, on January 16, 2022, in Toronto, in his 74th year. Neil was an historian. He was educated in Canadian History at the University of Toronto. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1971, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in 1979. Neil was a lecturer in Canadian History at Western University, London, Ontario. Later, he worked as a Senior Archivist with the United Church Archives at Victoria University, Toronto. Neil received assistance from the late Edward Jackman and the Jackman Foundation resulting in his authorship of a scholarly work entitled, "The Lord's Dominion: The History of Canadian Methodism". His book was shortlisted for a Governor General's Award for Non-Fiction in 1996. Neil wrote a second book about Samuel Nelles and Victoria University. Neil suffered a debilitating stroke in November 2002 and spent his remaining years in Kensington Gardens Long Term Care Centre in Toronto. Neil faced his disability with courage and his typical determination. His family is very grateful for the exceptional staff and extraordinary care that Neil received at Kensington Gardens Long Term Care, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital. Neil was the son of Robert Semple and Laura Annie Clark of the Alderwood area in Etobicoke. He is survived by his two older brothers, Robert Keith (Lorraine) of Haliburton, Drew (Joan Goodram), his niece, Claire, of St. Catharines and his twin brother, Mark (Diane) of Perth. An interment service and a memorial event will be held at a later date.