William Neilson Neil

William Neilson Neil WEST YARMOUTH William Neilson Neil, of West Yarmouth, formerly of Quincy and Weymouth, a prominent Engineer, and founding member of 1000 Southern Artery, who broke new ground for senior citizen housing in this country, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by the love and care of his devoted family on Sunday, November 9, 2008. He was 85 years old, and the loving husband of more than 62 years to Jean M. (Greenhalgh) Neil, his high school sweetheart. Born in Port Glasgow, Scotland on March 19, 1923, he was the oldest of 4 children born to the late James C. and Jane (Barclay) Neil, Sr. He came to the U.S. in 1926, eventually settling in Quincy. He graduated Quincy High School in 1941 before joining the Navy to fight for his country during WWII. A combat veteran, Mr. Neil saw action overseas, and was awarded the Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal with 3 stars before being honorably discharged in April of 1946. He graduated Northeastern University in 1952 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and was a member of the Engineering Honor Societies Tau Beta Pi, and Eta Kappa Nu there. As an Executive with the former Chas. T. Main, Inc., Engineers in Boston, Mr. Neil served as Division Vice President and General Manager of the Pulp and Paper Division, and also served as Director of Chas. T. Main, Inc. He retired in 1986, after more than 38 years with the company; however, he still remains a Registered Professional Engineer in MA, and several other US states and foreign countries. During his career he was a member of various trade associations including: Paper Industry Management Association, Technical Association Pulp and Paper Industry, Canadian Pulp and Paper Association, American Management Association, and the American Institute of Management. He lived in Weymouth for 44 years, where he and Jean raised their family before moving back to Quincy in retirement, where they stayed for 16 years before moving again this time to West Yarmouth. While in Weymouth, he was a Town Meeting Member for 14 years, served on the Appropriations Committee for 9 years, the Capital Budget Committee for 12 years, the Police Station Study and Building Committee for 12 years, and as Alternate Engineer for the Zoning Board of Appeals for 5 years. He was an elected member of the Board of Commissioner of the Dept. of Public Works for 6 years. As a founding member, he served on the Board of Trustees of Quincy Point Congregational Church Homes, Inc., and was also Director of 1000 Southern Artery Senior Citizens Center, Inc., of which he was also a founding member. A long time member of the Quincy Point Congregational Church, he served on the Board of Trustees for 24 years, 16 of which he served as Chairman. He was the Church Moderator for 19 years, served 27 years as Church School Teacher and Superintendant, and was a member of the Choir for 50 years. He also served on various other committees. He was a member of Rural Lodge, AF & AM, and Teleb Grotto, and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. In addition to his beloved wife, Jean, he is the devoted father of Marcia ONeill and husband James of West Yarmouth, Claudia McNeeley of Scituate, Pamela Lynch and husband Kevin of East Bridgewater, and Andrea Neil of Quincy. Loving Brother of Barbara Neil of Quincy, and James C. Neil, Jr. of Pembroke. Cherished grandfather of Lois Mentzer and husband Mike, and Colleen, Cheryl, Kelsey, Katie and Kevin Lynch, and Carly, Talia and Ellis Hampton. He was eagerly anticipating the birth of his first great- grandchild in February. He is the uncle of John and David Neil, and Janette Lease, and is also survived by 2 great nephews, a great niece, and many family members still in Scotland. He is the brother of the late Jean DeVlaminck, and father-in-law of the late Craig McNeely.. His Funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held this Friday in the Quincy Point Congregational Church, 444 Washington St., Quincy, at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Ann Suzedell, Pastor, officiating. Family and friends will have a time of fellowship and refreshment in the church hall immediately following the conclusion of the service. Interment with full military honors will follow at the MA National Cemetery in Bourne at 3:00 p.m. Visiting hours respectfully omitted. Instead of sending flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in his memory to: National M.S. Society, P.O. Box 845945, Boston, MA 02284 www.msnewengland.org OR to the Quincy Point Congregational Church, 444 Washington St. Quincy, MA 02169. Arrangements under the care and direction of: Hamel, Wickens & Troupe www.hamelfuneralcare.com