Neil D. MacPherson

Neil D. MacPherson

Concord, NH — Neil D. MacPherson passed away on March 18, 2022, after a long struggle with MDS and blood cancer. Born in Sydney, Cape Breton, Neil came to the United States and spent his formative years in Reading, MA. After graduating from Reading High School, he went to Northeastern University, receiving his degree in civil engineering.

After joining the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, he climbed the ranks to eventually lead the Right-of-Way division. During that time, he also served in the United States Army Reserve Corps of Engineers, rising to the rank of Colonel. He was a graduate of the US Army War College and was regularly chosen to participate in mobilization exercises at the Pentagon.

Neil was a man of many skills. Whether it was carving a new wooden toy for grandchildren, building a working steamship model, or growing some of the most delicious peaches and pears, he went through life teaching so many of us new skills without boasting or bragging about how much he knew or could do. A man who rarely corrected others and never put them down, he was a gifted man with a gift for humility.

The story of Neil's life entirely revolves around the brunette he fell in love with during the 8th grade in Reading, MA. That love never faltered. They were married in 1958 after Neil's graduation. They had the love affair out of a Stephen Spielberg movie. When Liz was in the hospital gravely ill, Neil sat by her bedside every night, for months, never giving in to the doctors' doubts, always knowing his Liz was coming home to him. Their love lasted for over 73 years in total and 64 in marriage. Neil's life revolved around Liz, as Liz's revolved around Neil. Even in his last days, he beamed, listening to stories of how he and Liz met. They were a formidable couple, made even stronger because they knew their love would be the rock providing the foundation of their lives together.

Neil's life can be summarized by the toast he gave at every holiday gathering – "to the family: the greatest institution on earth." His life was a monument to that sentiment. He was always there for his children and grandchildren. He was always there to guide us through those inevitable family spats that come and are soon forgotten. He made sure all our eyes were always focused on the most important thing – maintaining a love for our family. Never a man of many words, he showed his love through the squeeze of a shoulder or that look in his eye telling you how proud he was of you. At the end of his life, he learned the art of hugging, and oh, did he apply it. Who can forget those long embraces that silently said so much?

Neil is predeceased by his parents Neil Grant MacPherson and Harriet Leonard MacPherson, siblings Kathleen Isabella MacPherson and David MacPherson. He is survived by sisters-in-law Marie MacPherson and Barbara Tompkins as well as three sons, Douglas MacPherson (and wife Glayol Sahba), Robert MacPherson (and wife Jennifer Ace MacPherson), and Thomas MacPherson (and wife Lori MacPherson). He is survived by four grandchildren – Roshena MacPherson, Ossian Sahba, Gates MacPherson, and Robert MacPherson Jr. He is also survived by 6 nephews and one niece.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pope Memorial SPCA of Concord/Merrimack County. Their address is 94 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301.