Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Ian McNeill Obituary
He is survived by his wife, Pamela McNeill, Pittsfield; mother Grace McNeill and brother Stephen McNeill, of Whitehead, Northern Ireland; countless friends, including the four-legged Larry and Benny Bob. His father, Brian McNeill, passed away in July.
Ian was born March 22, 1976, in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, and grew up in the coastal village of Whitehead, County Antrim, on the shore of Belfast Lough.
Following his education at Carrickfergus Grammar School, he travelled to England to study at Teesside University, Middlesbrough, where he attained a BA (Hons) Business & Finance Degree. Ian also achieved a NDSF (National Diploma of Society of Florists).
An avid lover of the outdoors, both the mountains and the sea, golf, soccer, rugby, animals, fitness, eclectic music, mixed martial arts, floral design and the company of great friends, Ian was a truly unique soul, talented artist, beloved son and spectacular friend. His vibrant smile lit up every room he walked into, and the steadfast, unwavering friendship he offered to those lucky enough to be close to him will define his legacy, and will help to provide comfort to the many that mourn him today.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ian McNeill
Warren
October 8, 2025
Rest easy Bunter
Paul Windle
October 9, 2022
Ian, I send my love to your family on the fifth anniversary of your passing. As always, thank you for all the beautiful experiences you provided me with. Give your dad and Gordy a hug from me.
Paul Windle
October 9, 2021
Ian, I hope you can see me looking up at the sky when I’m running and hear my words of thanks for the inspiration you, your dad and Gordy continue to give me for dealing with life’s challenges and opportunities. I send my love and hugs to your family and friends.
Paul Windle
October 8, 2020
Ian, I hope you’re proud knowing your Ulster Rugby top that your wonderful mum gave me at your remembrance evening now fits me because of the five mile runs I’ve been doing twice a week over the last few months! I also hope you’re proud knowing that I even modelled your rugby top this morning in my team meeting because my boss is from Carrickfergus so we always have fun celebrating Northern Ireland! So, my fantastic friend, your smile, spirit and skills continue to inspire me because you’ll always be my fitness and nature mentor. Give your dad and Gordy a hug for me. My thoughts are also with your family and friends. Thanks, Paul xxx
Julianne skillen
September 9, 2020
I am in shock. The last time I heard about Ian was when he sold up the Flower Shop and emigrated to the US. I was just updating my floristry CV and googled Ian's name. I did my student workshop placement with Ian in 2010. He had visited the college in Lurgan to give a floristry demonstration and I loved his work, his style, his creativity, his ease, hid personality and that night I jumped up first to ask if I could come work with him for a while and he said yes! Such beautiful creations he made, he spoke very fondly of his family, nature and of course his constant companions the two doggos.
I am so sorry he left so young and send love and light to his family.
I went on to get a Distinction* in my course and to set up and run my own floral art business from 2010 onwards. So thanks Ian and rest in peace and power x
amanda mcalindon
January 16, 2020
He was Beautiful ....I hope your at peace, god bless you x
Paul Windle
October 9, 2019
Ian, Im writing this whilst thinking about all the beautiful times I had with you, your family and friends. Out of all the things I experienced with you it is the visit to the waterfall near Whitehead in 1996 that I continue to cherish the most because you taught me about the peace of nature. Thank you again my friend. Love and hugs to you, your family and friends. Paul
Sarah jane Cooper
February 15, 2018
So sad to hear this news. You were so kind to me when I was new to whitehead. I remember the beautiful sunflower bouquet you made that day. Every time I see sunflowers I will think of you. God bless and rest your soul xx
October 23, 2017
Lorraine and Roy, family from Northern Ireland would like to pass on their deepest sympathy To Pam, Grace , Stephen and family circle . On the loss of Ian
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Tomorrow is promised to know one xx
October 23, 2017
We would like to pass on our sympathy to Pam , Grace, Stephen and family circle It was a privilege to Know and work with Ian You will be missed love from Reuben , Pat and family from Northern Irealnd
Peace Perfect Peace xx
October 23, 2017
Lorraine and Pat would like to pass on thier condolences to Pam , Grace and Stephen. We worked with Ian at The flower shop in Whitehead and have fond memories of our time together Such a talented man. We will miss you deeply
Louise Marsden
October 19, 2017
Ian was an absolutely wonderful young man who could talk to anyone. He created beautiful flowers for my daughters' weddings. His Flower Shop' in Whitehead was a haven filled with gorgeous things and his two Deerhounds!!
We are all fuel. We are born and we burn. Unfortunately, some of us burn more quickly.
My deepest sympathy to Grace and her family.
mona balcer
October 19, 2017
I had the chance to work with Ian a couple of times last summer. He had a great spirit and a wonderful soul. My condolences to his family.
Phil Turner
October 19, 2017
I was lucky to know you Mate and spend some crazy times during our Uni days! Thanks for the flower advice ever since..Much love x
Dave Hoffenberg
October 18, 2017
Ian was a wonderful human being and a great friend. I will truly miss him and never forget all the great memories we shared. My prayers go out to Pam and his family. R.I.P. Laddie.
Joseph Havelka
October 17, 2017
Shock & sadness is all I can use to describe this news. Ian will be missed dearly and my heart felt condolences go out to Pam and his family.
Warren McClean
October 17, 2017
Great friend and multi talented guy. Glad to have known and shared time with him. Rest easy mate and hopefully see you again someday.
Martha and Scott Beayon
October 17, 2017
We are so shocked and saddened by the passing of Ian. We had just met this summer, but he was such a wonderful person. Outgoing, spirited, with such entertaining dialogue but also interested in what was going on with you. He and his ready smile will be missed.....
Marbeth Gray
October 16, 2017
Ian you will be so sadly missed you had a beautiful soul always smiling and so kind and thoughtful RIP dearest Ian deepest sympathies to Grace and family
Adrienne McAllister
October 16, 2017
David and I were heartbroken to hear the news when we were visiting Northern Ireland last week. Ian was such a beautiful soul and it was always a pleasure to call into the flower shop in Whitehead and chat to him.
He was dearly loved by everyone who knew him in Whitehead and our hearts go out to his lovely family at this sad time.
Colin Mayne
October 15, 2017
A marvellous man and a huge loss. All our love to Stephen and Grace in Whitehead. Colin, Kristen and Molly Mayne.
Nicola Christie
October 15, 2017
Ian was a person who put you at ease. I always loved going into his flower shop because of his creative talent and pleasant manner. I remember his deerhound. Last year my mother-in-law rescued a deerhound from the pound - I remember thinking of Ian at the time, even though I hadn't seen him in years. My deepest condolences to his family.
Freddie Ann Bohlig
October 15, 2017
Shocked to see that Ian has passed. My husband and I met him at the new lodge restaurant last month, we had dinner at the bar and he was the bartender! We were so impressed with his spirit that we talked about him all the way home. He was spirited, well spoken, engaging, and thoughtful. We talked about life, kids, health, his Irish roots, and how much water I should be drinking if I wanted to get my weight down! I was suppose to go back in a month and give him my report! We can't imagine the grief and pain of losing this bright young man, we send our condolences and support to his wife and family!
Michelle Boleski
October 15, 2017
I enjoyed working with and getting to know Ian. He was so lovely and fun and so talented. I had been meaning to reach out to him this summer and did not and I will regret that. Pam I am so sorry. To his family my sincere condolences.
Elisabeth Davis
October 15, 2017
I was so sad to hear of Ian's passing. I worked with him at the Cascades Lodge .He always had a smile for us as we came through the door .My condolences to his Family.RIP my old Friend .
Dan Fletcher
October 15, 2017
I hadn't seen Ian for many years but have such fond memories of him from university and was upset to learn of his passing. Sincere condolences to his family and friends x
Richard Hudson
October 15, 2017
So sorry to hear of Ians untimely passing.
I knew him at University, and looking back he still brings a big smile to my face now as he did then.
I can imagine what a huge gap he will leave in the lives of those that knew
him more recently.
One very good person is no longer with us and the world is poorer for it.
RIP Ian you legend.
Teri Emilo Hagen
October 15, 2017
Although it's been a year since I have seen you , My memories of the early days in Killington include you, skiing and laughing down those Killington mtns..great times and memories. Sleep in the peace of Christ.
Paul Windle
October 14, 2017
My thoughts are with Ian's family and friends during this difficult time. Ian enriched my life in so many ways and introduced me to lots of wonderful people in Middlesbrough and Northern Ireland. His smile, spirit and sensitivity will always shine in me. Thank you for the memories. RIP, my beautiful friend.
Krista Graham
October 14, 2017
So sorry to hear of this. Ian was a wonderful person. Hoping his friends and family find peace.
October 14, 2017
Our hearts go out to all of those who love Ian, especially his beautiful wife Pam, at this painful time. Love~ Shawn, Tina & Sawyer
Tony Vigani
October 14, 2017
So, so sorry
October 14, 2017
SO BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN YOU, ONE TRULY BEAUTIFUL PERSON. SLEEP WELL, FOREVER IN MY THOUGHTS AND HEART. MANDI MCALINDON
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Ian McNeill's name
Memorial Events
for Ian McNeill
How to support Ian's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ian McNeill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
