Sep 16, 1954 - Apr 20, 2026

• Neil MacFarlane

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.