Dr. Robert William Hyndman McNeel

McNEEL, Dr. Robert William Hyndman; B.A., MDCM, FRCP "Dr. Bob" January 16th, 1924 - August 23rd, 2012 Bob died peacefully in his sleep at Victoria Hospice with "Pavarotti" playing in the background. Bob was born in Regina Saskatchewan. He was predeceased by his mother, Lucy Emily (Styles); father, Albert Wylie McNeel, and infant sister, Georgina Emily (1927). Bob moved to Weyburn Saskatchewan where he completed his grade eight to twelve schooling. After attending college, he enrolled in the Medical program at McGill University in 1946. He completed his Royal College exams in 1956 when he finished his speciality in Pediatric Medicine at the Montreal Children's (post graduate studies). He was a member of the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, joining on July 15th, 1944. He was on a Naval Scholarship while attending McGill. Upon graduation he worked a year as a Pediatrician in Hamilton Ontario, and then opened his own practice in Burlington Ontario, retiring in 1993. Bob moved from his Songhees condo to the Wellesley Retirement Home. He loved it there and over the two years he made many new friends, especially an Irish lady named Sheila. She also had a small dog, Riley, and they sometimes walked together. When Sheila was not feeling well, Bob would walk both dogs. Her death was a blow to him as well as the recent death of his beloved dog Hershey. Bob and Sheila shared an almost two year relationship, eating their dinners at the same table. Bob also shared time with Sheila's daughter and family. The Wellesley staff were always there to assist Bob: the front office staff, the house keepers, and the wonderful kitchen hostess (great meals). He loved his new community environment and flourished. Bob was happy. Hospice offered the much welcomed peace and comfort he required to relieve his distress. The staff, doctors, nurses, volunteers and others offered care, comfort and compassion not only to Bob but also to his loved ones. He passed pain free with music playing in the background, "The Best of Luciano Pavarotti". In Bob's last moments, his head was facing the window lit up by the sun; a light breeze was flowing gently on his face, and the Bosie was playing "Pavarotti'. Interestingly, Bob was turned to where there was a beautiful picture of a sail boat under full sails plying the azure blue waters. Perhaps his spirit was stepping aboard the QU' Appelle (his sailboat} for his last journey home. Could his passing be more perfect? Family members Joyce Styles and Margaret Anne Sawchuck (cousin) were in attendance to offer prayers and comfort. His friend Bill was also in attendance through-out. Many thanks of sincere gratitude to Dr. Cheek and the team of nurses and staff of the South Oncology Ward, as well as to Dr. Ryan Liebscher and the caring and compassionate nurses and volunteers of Victoria Hospice for facilitating Bob's final wishes. Much gratitude to his general practitioner, Dr. Caspar Friesen, for his management of Bob's pain issues. There will be no memorial or funeral service as Bob requested; however, donations to Victoria Hospice or to the Victoria Opera Society which he has bequest monies would be appreciated. "I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over."