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Neal McCORMICK Obituary
1947 - 2013
In the afternoon of June 17, 2013, Neal Joseph McCormick peacefully passed away surrounded by family and friends. Neal leaves behind his wife Lynda, 2 sons Michael and Cullen their partners Claire and Rochelle and 3 wonderful grandchildren., William, Ben and Harriet.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Neal grew up in a large family of 14. In 1970 he immigrated to Canada where he met his wife Lynda, began his career as an educator and began a family of his own. Neal had an enthusiasm for life, whether coaching, running, gardening, golfing, stainglass and volunteering. His positive outlook and caring spirit touched the lives of many people.
His family would like to thank all the professionals who treated Neal with such respect dignity and kindness. We would also like to extend our thanks to friends and neighbours who helped to make Neal's journey easier. A simple thank you seems so little for all the support we received. He was loved and will be missed by many.
A funeral mass will be held Friday, June 21st at 1pm at St. Peter's parish,
301 Machleary Street, Nanaimo.
Thank you all so much.
This obituary was originally published in the Nanaimo Daily News and Harbour City Star (Nanaimo, BC).
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Memories and Condolences
for Neal McCORMICK
107 Entries
Liz Leonard
April 21, 2019
Neil
Was my uncle ,, he was so welcoming when I visited him
And his family many years ago. He was so positive and always smiling ,, what a guy ,, I think of him
Very fondly ,, we had good fun
May 6, 2014
shannon Quinney
August 14, 2013
Lynda an Family I was sorry to hear of Neals passing. My thoughts are with you. I moved to Berywn in 1970 Neils first years teaching there he was great atheltic coach an teacher. He got all sports going again in Berwyn even gymnastics. The whole town came out to watch us all. He helped me in so many ways my first years in Berwyn. He was very caring and understanding always made you feel better about yourself. I remeber meeting you again years later with Milton an Marianne in BC. He asked about so many of his students from Berwyn, so thoughtful an always concerned about everyone. Take care. Shannon
Tonya Havas
July 18, 2013
I will continue to remember Mr. McCormick with a warm heart. My deepest condolences to his family.
Colin McCracken
July 1, 2013
So sorry to hear of Neal passing away. He was a great guy, I always remember him working and painting on my deck
Barbara McCracken
June 30, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Neal's passing. Although I only met him a couple of times, I'm sure he was a fine Irish gentleman.
Kathy
June 30, 2013
I, as so many others can't thank Mr.McCormick enough for his endless support and caring It is truly amazing how one person can touch so many lives. Thanks should also be given to his wife and children for graciously sharing him with all of us. Let us all hope that he knew how much he was loved.....and that he took that with him on his next journey. RIP Mr. McCormick, you have certainly earned it.
Monica Regan
June 29, 2013
Thank You, Mr. McCormick. You where an inspiration too me. When I was down, you always, put a smile on my face. I'm very much sadden of your passing. My condolence's to your Family. Mr McCormick was my homeroom teacher at Wellington.
June 29, 2013
RIP Mr. McCormick. You were truly an amazing Man with such a huge heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family
Cathy Petrie , Barrie, Ontario
Ed Seidel
June 28, 2013
Neal, you were indeed one of the few teachers who I ever had that made everyone feel at ease. You made the awkward years of Wellington Junior High liveable with your king and caring nature. There are many teachers out there today who work hard to teach the way you did because of you. I feel honoured to have had you as a teacher, colleague, and friend. Your help with my mom while my sister lay dying in palliative care at NRGH will never be forgotten.
I will never forget you. Rest in Peace.
Amar Dusanj
June 28, 2013
Thank you for being a great coach and teacher Mr.McCormick. So sad to hear this news.
Courtney S
June 28, 2013
You were an awesome teacher, always had a smile on your face. you will be greatly missed. my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Barbara Davidson
June 28, 2013
So sad to hear of Neal's passing. Seems inadequate...but what a nice guy.
June 27, 2013
You taught me a lesson that I will never forget Mr. McCormick, thank you for everything, enjoy the big easy:)
Christian Pye
June 24, 2013
This was a fantastic man. I appreciated him during my high school years for being a safe place to talk and find encouragement in decisions.
June 24, 2013
I will always remember your wonderful voice and amazing encouragement you gave people. Your one of those people you will remember and think of. With Love. Mike
Adam Curley
June 24, 2013
You were a great teacher and coach and and even greater man. One to look up to. Thank you for your years of coaching us at Dover Bay. It was a pleasure to have known you.
carmine sparanese
June 24, 2013
I will remember Neal as a fierce competitor and a tremendous coach. A class act, taken too soon.
Sara Skotarek
June 24, 2013
Deepest condolences to the family. Mr. McCormick was an inspirational leader that positively influenced many teens lives.
June 24, 2013
I am very thankful to have known Neal and I am so sad for his family at this great loss!
Kerry Pearce
June 23, 2013
So sad to hear the news. He was a fantastic teacher and a dynamic person who truly loved and cared for his students. Thank you to his family for sharing him with all who were lucky enough to have been taught by him. RIP
Bruce Ashcraft
June 23, 2013
Mr McCormick was an amazing teacher. His words of wisdom helped me get where I am today. I will be forever grateful.
Bruce Ashcraft - Nanaimo BC
June 23, 2013
You were the most amazing teacher and i will always remember your good advice to me...
Sue Tomio
June 23, 2013
Your effervesce and enthusiasm are forever etched in my memories. You understood and knew how to make me better person and for that I thank you. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Hilary Whiting
June 23, 2013
My deepest condolences to Neal's family and friends. He has made a difference in so many lives and will always be remembered.
Jessica Stephens (Morrison)
June 23, 2013
Thank you for getting me through high school. All your wonderful words of wisdom didn't fall on deaf ears. You will truly be missed. You were the best! My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Mathew Moran
June 23, 2013
Mr McCormick was an amazing man he had a huge impact on my life, he really helped me get my life going down the right path. You will be sincerely missed.
Cindy Entesary
June 23, 2013
Very sad to hear of your passing you were a great teacher at NDSS and as a hospice volunteer you will be missed by many
Shannon Milford
June 23, 2013
Thank you for touching our children's lives so profoundly. Love and prayers to Lynda and family.
Marcy Lunn
June 23, 2013
RIP.... You always had a smile on your face and your laugh I can still hear that you could never forget . My sincere condolences to your family. Gone to soon.....NDSS
June 23, 2013
Terrific person and a motivation to be a better person, rest in peace Mr. McCormack
If there were more like this man the world would be a better place.
Brad McEachern
June 23, 2013
So sad. Great teacher and a special person. One teacher I will always remeber! I am sure he was a strong role model for most people that met him.
connor malbon
June 23, 2013
Really sad to hear about the passing of Mr McCormick. He was one of my favourite mentors in high school and always showed a genuine interest in how I was doing and making sure my studies were up to par. He also really encouraged me to take part in athletics and other extracurricular activities. RIP you will be missed
Angel White
June 23, 2013
Love and prayers -- Mr McCormick was the best basketball coach! He not only was at my high school (N.D.S.S)but also taught my two daughters at Dover Bay.
Krista Park
June 23, 2013
So sad to hear of Mr. McCormick's passing. My thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time. He was a great councelor and even better man.
Kathryn (Fedoruk) Zondag
June 23, 2013
It was such a pleasure working with you and learning from you. Thank you for your larger than life heart, your caring, and understanding at you showed to all of us. You will be sadly sadly missed.
Adam Jordens
June 23, 2013
From Grade 8 thru Grade 12, many fond memories on and off the field. You certainly had a great influence over many students at Dover.
Condolences to Mr. McCormick's family, he'll be missed.
Matt Whipps
June 22, 2013
Great Coach, Great Teacher, Great Person
June 22, 2013
One of the best teachers at Dover Bay
Allison Cleland
June 22, 2013
Mr. McCormick - I will always remember playing endless games of 21 with you in the gym. You fostered a strong sense of work ethic, sportsmanship and pride in Dolfin athletics. Your light shines on in all who have crossed your path.
Chris Knudsen
June 22, 2013
You were such a great influence for so many with your always positive and upbeat encouragement. Thank you for the years you invested into the youth in our community, you are fondly remembered by us all. My condolences to the McCormick Family.
June 22, 2013
I had the pleasure of running with Neil a number of times in a clinic. He was always so positive and hopeful. I enjoyed getting to know him.
Sarah Milford-Warren
June 22, 2013
Mr. Mccormick was a great teacher and a sensitive guidance counsellor. So sad to hear of his passing. Our prayers will be with his family.
Randy Sage
June 22, 2013
Rip mr mccormick.
You were a dedicated teacher and someone we looked up to.
Thank you .
Jason Bamford
June 22, 2013
To Mr. McCormick a great PE teacher and a great guy. You will be sorely missed especially memories of rugby and foot fire!...Wednesday was a sad day when I heard the news. Best wishes to the McCormick family at this sad time.
Andrew Buchanan
June 22, 2013
Most memorable PE teacher I ever had. Will be missed, thank you for all the good you brought to the world.
Jaime MacDonald
June 22, 2013
Mr McCormick, was a great teacher and helped me through a lot of tough times. im truly saddened with the news of his passing. my condolences to his family.
Aaron Peters/Cooper
June 22, 2013
My condolences to Neil's family. He was a lasting influence in my life and will b missed by many!
Ben Moore
June 22, 2013
Mr. McCormick. You were one of the best and a wonderful influence to me and many others like me who had the privilege of your hand in our education. You name will live on forever in the halls of our schools.
Britta Negrin
June 22, 2013
I don't know if I would have made it through grade nine without Mr. McCormick. Thank you for all the hours you spent listening to me and never judging. I couldn't have asked for a kinder or more dedicated counselor. All those things I couldn't tell anyone else I cold tell you and I will never forget that.
Sheldon Lloyd-Walters
June 22, 2013
Mr. McCormick was one of my favorite teachers at Dover, my condolences to his family. He will be missed by many.
Cassandra Russell
June 22, 2013
You truly cared for everyone. I didnt realize it back then but I truly realize is now. You just wanted the best for people. You will be missed. Your impact though will never be forgotten.
Craig Edwards
June 22, 2013
Sorry to hear of your passing Neal, you were a lasting influence and mentor in my life. The world is left with a gap with your passing
Patrick O'Dwyer
June 22, 2013
Thank you Mr McCormick for all the coaching, leadership and mentorship that you gave me and countless other team members and students. My years at Wellington Jr were not my best years but you always tried to help us kids. My condolences, thoughts and prayers.
Mike Peter
June 22, 2013
Neil helped me through some tough years during high school at Dover bay. Without neil I wouldn't be the person I am today. Neil will be greatly missed by many!
Gary Mols
June 22, 2013
What an honour it was for me to have been called a friend of Neal. He ALWAYS made me and my visiting basketball teams from Oak Bay, Belmont and Spencer feel at home in his school. He was a true GEM. The students, parents, fellow teachers and administrators who had the privilege of working with and playing for Neal know of what I say.
June 22, 2013
RIP Mr MCCORMICK. A thank you is in order from all of us who had you as a Teacher. THANKS FOR HELPING ALL OF US WE ARE BETTER OFF BECAUSE OF YOU.
Linda Lynch-Nantais
June 22, 2013
R.I.P. Mr. McCormick. Any student who had you as their teacher was truly blessed. You will be missed by all.
Matt Kuzminski
June 22, 2013
When I think of Neil I think of passion, fire, and a gentle intensity. RIP McCormick
June 22, 2013
Neal was one of the most positive, enthusiastic, energetic, and enjoyable persons with which I have had the privilege to work, coach, and associate. He will live-on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.
Lorne Dillabaugh
Kevin Battie
June 22, 2013
Great Guy........RIP
Jordie Braidwood
June 22, 2013
Neal was the most amazing guy, I had the honour of being taught and coached by him. Like many others, he touched my life in a way that he'll never know. One of my most cherished memories was of him taking the time and thought to write everyone a note about what role we played on our volleyball team and how great we were. I still have my note stashed away in my shoebox of high school keepsakes. I realize more so now that it was you Neal that was the special one and I thank you for all your time and dedication to all that you touched and I thank you family for allowing you to change the world around you.
You will be missed but never forgotten.
RIP Mr McCormick
Martin Drakeley
June 22, 2013
First coach to ever make me earn a Jersey number! A life lesson never forgotten!! Great teacher and coach!!
Mike Ross
June 21, 2013
RIP Mr. McCormick, you were by far the best teacher & coach I had growing up!
June 21, 2013
wow great teacher,you will be missed.
Pam Jones
June 21, 2013
wow a great teacher and you will be missed
Marlene Fiddick
June 21, 2013
You were a great teacher Mr. McCormick. you will surely be missed...
Dawn (Burn) Aziz
June 21, 2013
So sorry for the loss that is felt. Mr. McCormick was truly a kind, wonderful person and teacher. As life moves in its mysterious circle we were so honoured to meet Neal once again - I hadn't seen him since he was my P.E. teacher in the late 70's. Then when my mother was in palliative care at NRGH a year ago he was there for us once again, but this time as a volunteer and the most gracious spirit of generosity to bring comfort. I wish Neal's family that same comfort in your time of need. May your wonderful memories be a source of strength and comfort.
John and Freddie Browne
June 21, 2013
Thank you for all that you did at Palliative NRGH !!! Be in Peace Neal
Michelle James
June 21, 2013
You will missed. RIP sweet man.
Dean Sloat
June 21, 2013
the world will miss you, you were a good teacher.
Lisa Frazer
June 21, 2013
Always a smile and a kind word for everyone. RIP Neal
Monika Bonney (Gerick)
June 21, 2013
Fantastic teacher! You made school fun, Mr McCormick. You will be missed, but fondly remembered
Scott Christianson
June 21, 2013
Neal was a shining light for all who met him. I had the fortune of having him as a mentor and will never forget his kindness and sense of humour.
Shawn Owen
June 21, 2013
Neil was hands down the single most influential person in my life as I went through school. In fact, he is the main reason I have made a career out of coaching and training others to reach their full potential. Our community will miss him deeply but his spirit will live on within all of us who were fortunate enough to have been mentored by him
John Punt
June 21, 2013
By far my favorite and most memorable teacher ever.
Good bless you.
Shawn Fiddick
June 21, 2013
Had the honour of having Mr.McCormick as a teacher, coach and later after school a friend. He was instrumental in making me the man I am today, I valued all the lessons he taught me in class, and on the court or field. I was just using him as a leadership example last week at work...he said to me one day "once I stop pushing you and staying on your case, you know I've given up on you"...ironic part...I never saw him give up on anyone. Thank you Micker for being a part of my life and allowing me the honour of sharing your values and message with others. The place you are now, is lucky to have you...RIP and "foot fire"
Bill McWhinnie
June 21, 2013
Neal, everyone who you made contact with will never forget your passion. You were passionate about everything you did, teacher, coach and friend. You touched so many lives and have left an amazing legacy
lisa west
June 21, 2013
rip mr mccormick you were a great ped theacer in 88-89 when i went to ndss you will be missed
Kaitlyn Rochon
June 21, 2013
Thank you Neal for all of your kind words and thoughtful gestures. You inspire in the way you lived your life and in the messages you passed a long. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Ray Sagasky
June 21, 2013
Mr. McCormick was a great teacher when I was just a scared little grade 8 kid back in the 80's. He made me laugh and feel comfortable in a big intimidating junior high school. Disco Mic thanks for all the laffs and I wish my boys had a PE teacher like you! Rest in Peace and my thoughts and thank you's to your family.....
June 21, 2013
Anyone lucky to cross paths with Neal got to witness passion at its best. Neal was passionate about everything he touched. He was an amazing teacher, coach and friend. You are going to be missed!
June 21, 2013
Neil, you were a little bit of magic in the world. Everyone you touched turned to gold.
Ross
Cory Kropielinski
June 21, 2013
You were the best Mick! RIP.
Mellinda Zambon
June 21, 2013
You will be missed, a truly great teacher who helped many, many fond memories,glad to have known such a wonderful man.
Deb Collingwood
June 21, 2013
I was so honored to know you. You took the time to ask me how I have been even when you were not well. Then you would listen.
You were a marathon Boston runner, an inspiration to others in so many ways a hospice volunteer.
I know you will be watching over your family and pals as they will miss you so very much.
Until we meet again.
Deb Collingwood
Glenn Johnson
June 21, 2013
My teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. Neal has an amazing legacy of helping, motivating and inspiring thousands of Nanaimo students over the last four decades. I will always cherish the lectures in junior high, the coaching trips, the tennis and golf competitions, an incredible sense of humour and the fierce loyality of a great man.
Jack &Collen Follett
June 21, 2013
A great man and a great teacher. It was a privilege to know him. Just being in his company brightened and lightened the world.
Kathleen Blaney
June 21, 2013
Of all the sad things we may endure, the saddest is in saying ‘farewell brother'. Neal, you will be in our hearts and memories forever. Very sadly missed by your sister Kathleen, brother-in-law Brendan, and children Neal, Leona, John and Brendan
Tom and Brenda RAMHAW
June 21, 2013
A very caring man
He helped our three sons a whole lot
We will miss him as everyone who knew him will
Krista Presotto
June 21, 2013
What a great man. I first met him as a student and then I worked with him. He was always smiling and always willing to help anyone. He will be missed.
Leesa Heyward-Patenaude
June 21, 2013
Great man! He was one of the teachers that I liked and respected. So sad to hear of his passing :(
Brian Heese
June 21, 2013
When I was in high school I was fortunate enough to have Neal, the greatest PE teacher in the world, for 4 years. When I began as a teacher I was fortunate to have this same man as my mentor, friend, and advocate. I am very saddened to hear of Neal's passing but am certain he is reaping great rewards in the afterlife for all the good works he did here on earth. RIP Neal and thanks for all the great memories, advice, and most importantly the amazing example you set for all of us to follow. May we all strive to influence just one person the way you influenced hundreds
bob gillespie
June 21, 2013
Sorry to hear of his death. Had him as a PE teacher at Wellington School
AnnaRita, John Best & family
June 21, 2013
truely inspirational, influential role model!!! You will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teachers!! Thank You for all you taught us about life, drive, determination and passion!!! Gone but never forgotten!!!! You were an inspiration to all your students!!!RIP Disco Mick!!!
AnnaRita & John Best & Family
June 21, 2013
A truely inspirational, influential role model!!! You will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teachers!! Thank You for all you taught us about life, drive, determination and passion!!! Gone but never forgotten!!!! You were an inspiration to all your students!!!RIP Disco Mick!!!
Deepest condolences to the McCormick family.
Christine Robinson
June 21, 2013
You touched the lives of so many of your students and made such an incredible impact on them.
I have read so many of their fondest memories of you Disco Mick. I wish all our teachers were like you.
God Bless
AnnaRita Best
June 21, 2013
Fantastic role model and inspiration to all his students!!! Great mentor!!! Gone but NEVER forgotten!
preston kittle-jago
June 20, 2013
mr mccormick you are an awesome individual a truly caring person one of the nicest people i have ever met you will be truly missed
Sandie/Wade Newton
June 20, 2013
A lovely man. Great teacher and coach to all the Newton Boys.
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