Neil MacFarlane

Sep 16, 1954 - Apr 20, 2026

We are saddened to announce the loss of Neil MacFarlane, on Monday, April 20th.

He was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend, who built his life on kindness, loyalty, and the joy of spending time with those closest to him.

From an early age, soccer became a passion for Neil. Growing up, he and his brother, Duncan, played for various teams in Verdun, Montreal. They won numerous city and provincial championships, including an international tournament in Ireland. Neil later went on to win CIAU National Championships in 1976 with the Loyola Warriors, securing a seat in the Concordia Hall of Fame. After Neil’s professional career took off as a software engineer, he was finally able to “retire” with the Blackburn Arms Pub soccer league. He never lost his love for the game, or the pub!

Neil especially loved travel, politics, literature, poetry, music, and had a deep appreciation for art, a gift he received from his mother Nancy.

He always ensured that he filled our home with song and dance. For any and all gatherings with friends, he insisted on picking the perfect songs for every moment. Midnight Train To Georgia was a must at all events, with Neil always joining the Pips. Upon Neil’s return home from his various travels, he would always make video slideshows to pair his photographs with music. He loved turning his experiences into something he could share with everyone.

Most of all Neil cherished family traditions, and this was particularly evident at Christmas and Halloween. The memories we created will live on forever.

Farewell from us all!

Eva, Alie and Kevin; Duncan, Catherine and Jenn; Yvonne, Barbara, Michel, Michael; Christina, Richard and Lucy, our dog, Maddie, and so many more that were dear to his heart.

“Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.”

– William Butler Yeats

We will celebrate Neil on Sunday, June 7th, at the Royal Oak on Wellington, 1217 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, from 2:00 to 5:00.

Please join us and share your memories.

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7 Comments

Norma o’Collin April 29, 2026 at 9:48 am - Reply

Neil played ball with my husband Ray in the back lanes of Verdun and after many years he became a favorite babysitter to our 2 children, Steve and Jennifer
Rest in peace, Neil
Norma and Ray 🙏
Linda April 26, 2026 at 11:08 am - Reply

What a lovely tribute to Neil! We are so so sorry for your loss Eva and Alie.. keep those little pieces he’s buried in your heart and he’ll be there when you need him! Xx
Linda and kevin
Anna Tahatakis April 26, 2026 at 1:44 am - Reply

Heartfelt Condolences to Neil’s Brother Duncan, Neil’s Family and Friends …

Neil was a student in a few of my High School ( Verdun High) Classes … a quiet student ..

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord“
May he Rest In Peace ….
Pierre and Diane Lagalisse April 26, 2026 at 12:55 am - Reply

Heartfelt condolences to Eva and the entire family on the loss of Neil. Hoping that the grief now felt will be soon be overcome by the fond memories of family time together and good times with friends
Kyle Curry April 25, 2026 at 11:45 pm - Reply

Although Neil never loved to be centre stage (almost but not quite), I know all the angels and all of us down here are giving him a standing ovation for the beautiful, curious & spirited life he lived!

What an absolute pleasure it was to get to know Neil and have a chance to have deeply interesting convos about art, music (too many convos about Judy Garland & Barbra Streisand), and be on the receiving end of his endless sassiness! It wasn’t a proper day without Neil rolling his eyes at my brother and I… if I didn’t make him roll his eyes, I knew I didn’t bring enough to the table that day haha!

I will continue to carry along all the incredible memories I have of being at the dinner table with Neil and Eva (one of this life’s finest!). He gave my brother and I one of the best blessings of our life, beautiful Alie!

I know he’d want me to stop rambling and raise a glass, so I will raise a glass and say, as barbra sings, “May all your storms be weathered and all that’s good get better! Here’s to life, here’s to love, here’s to you, Neil!”
Stephen Warr April 25, 2026 at 11:05 pm - Reply

My favourite picture of Neil, with Pierre and me, taken at my stag party in 1982. It seems to perfectly capture his wry sense of humour.
Jeff Isaacson April 25, 2026 at 8:35 pm - Reply

So sorry for your loss💔. My deepest condolences 🙏

All Memories

Norma o’Collin

Neil played ball with my husband Ray in the back lanes of Verdun and after many years he became a favorite babysitter to our 2 children, Steve and Jennifer Rest in peace, Neil Norma and Ray 🙏

+ Reply

Linda

What a lovely tribute to Neil! We are so so sorry for your loss Eva and Alie.. keep those little pieces he’s buried in your heart and he’ll be there when you need him! Xx Linda and kevin

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Anna Tahatakis

Heartfelt Condolences to Neil’s Brother Duncan, Neil’s Family and Friends … Neil was a student in a few of my High School ( Verdun High) Classes … a quiet student .. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord“ May he Rest In Peace ….

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Pierre and Diane Lagalisse

Heartfelt condolences to Eva and the entire family on the loss of Neil. Hoping that the grief now felt will be soon be overcome by the fond memories of family time together and good times with friends

+ Reply

Kyle Curry

Although Neil never loved to be centre stage (almost but not quite), I know all the angels and all of us down here are giving him a standing ovation for the beautiful, curious & spirited life he lived! What an absolute pleasure it was to get to know Neil and have a chance to have deeply interesting convos about art, music (too many convos about Judy Garland & Barbra Streisand), and be on the receiving end of his endless sassiness! It wasn’t a proper day without Neil rolling his eyes at my brother and I… if I didn’t make him roll his eyes, I knew I didn’t bring enough to the table that day haha! I will continue to carry along all the incredible memories I have of being at the dinner table with Neil and Eva (one of this life’s finest!). He gave my brother and I one of the best blessings of our life, beautiful Alie! I know he’d want me to stop rambling and raise a glass, so I will raise a glass and say, as barbra sings, “May all your storms be weathered and all that’s good get better! Here’s to life, here’s to love, here’s to you, Neil!”

+ Reply

Stephen Warr

My favourite picture of Neil, with Pierre and me, taken at my stag party in 1982. It seems to perfectly capture his wry sense of humour.

+ Reply

Jeff Isaacson

So sorry for your loss💔. My deepest condolences 🙏

+ Reply