Contact Us: (250) 426-3132 | 1-800-619-4222
Tribute Wall
Saturday
13
May
Celebration of Life
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort
209 Van Horne St S
Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada
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ROD SILVER posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
In the mid seventies, Rob and I worked as junior staff to a powerhouse team of biologists in the Nelson office of the Fish and Wildlife Branch. We were colleagues and friends.
In the 2000s, we were proud members of The Nature Trust of BC team-he was THE MAIN MAN in the Kootenays and I was a Director.
Rob was many things-
Energetic.
Dedicated.
Ambitious.
Romantic.
Life- time learner.
Skilled motivator.
Passionate!
This was the Rob that I had the great pleasure of knowing.
He laughed with you.
He laughed at you.
But most importantly, he laughed at himself.
Once I told him that his motto was “I never use a few short words when many,
big, long, complicated, multi -syllabled words will do? He was flattered!
His heart was with the land. Always in all ways. He led by example.
BC is much better for his commitment and life-time work.
He was a true champion of nature.
ROD SILVER
Victoria
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Emily Nilsen posted a condolence
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Always looking for an excuse to get into the field, Rob was so generous with his knowledge of the land. We had many good times chatting about conservation while visiting restoration sites in the East Kootenays, often pausing to watch the deer or elk. His thoughtful guidance and insights were so appreciated, it was clear his heart stood strongly beside the wilderness he had grown up exploring. A great mentor for so many: thank you for everything, Rob.
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Jan Lindsay posted a condolence
Saturday, May 27, 2023
We have many fond memories of Rob, his former wife, Shirley, children Jodie and Justin and dog Shannon coming out to our place in Queen's Bay Townsite. It was always a fun time. Bob and Rob often went looking for trees to cut for firewood while Shirley and I watched the kids play and Shannon chase the chickens! These regular weekend visits were wonderful family times for us all. Rest in peace Rob. You are missed by many. Jan and Bob Lindsay
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Juliet Craig posted a condolence
Sunday, May 14, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Rob at the Kootenay Conservation Program and deeply admired his knowledge, kindness, and passion. He served on the KCP board and securement committee for many years and was a valued member of the partnership. We recognized his passion and dedication for wildlife and ecosystems by honouring him with the KCP Conservation Leadership Award. The KCP board, team and partnership are deeply saddened by his loss. We send our sincerest condolences.
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John Bergenske posted a condolence
Sunday, May 14, 2023
Rob’s intimate knowledge of the landscape and wildlife of the Kootenays, his vision and his passion has made a real difference in keeping the wild in this place he so deeply loved. I feel privileged to have been his friend and able to share part of the journey together.
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David Dunbar posted a condolence
Friday, May 12, 2023
My sincere condolences to Rob's family. I was very saddened to hear of Rob's sudden passing. I worked with Rob for about 8 years out of the Cranbrook Fish & Wildlife office and he was always a wealth of information on the history of the Kootenay F&W program, our region's wildlife populations, critical habitats and conservation. He was a very decent and generous individual. He was passionate about identifying valuable wildlife habitat and went to great lengths to ensure they were protected. He will be missed by me and to many other work colleagues of mine. The Kootenay backcountry is a better place because of Rob and other like-minded conservationists.
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Todd Manning uploaded photo(s)
Friday, May 12, 2023
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I have known Rob since the early 1990's. We met while he worked for MoE in Cranbrook and he became interested in the topic of wildlife trees, which I was just beginning to venture into at the time. He was a passionate and tireless champion of conservation, particularly the beautiful Rocky Mountain ecosystem. He will be missed dearly by all who had the great pleasure of knowing him!
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Sage uploaded photo(s)
Friday, May 12, 2023
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I have so many special moments and memories with my grandpa since the day I was born. He has put such an important impact in my life that I will carry with me forever in my heart. There are so many memories I have made with grandpa like when we go on trail rides, going for a treat at Kootenay Grounds Cafe or many other important things. I remember when I was really heartbroken about my dog Fin passing on, Grandpa sent me a picture of his first dog Mickey with and message about how important first animals are and the impact on your life. He explained that even when you get another animal it is not replacing the love for that one, but adding more. I have carried that with me and will not forget. I love my grandpa very very much and will miss him so much.
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Keith posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Great memories of working with Rob in the Cranbrook MoE office. He was such an approachable and knowledgeable person. A great loss to the conservation community. We'll miss him.
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Gerry Fox posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Sad to hear of Robbie's passing. A really good man. One memory flooded back. In July 1990 the entire compliment of Kootenay Habitat Protection Biologists saddled up to ride into the Purcells for a retreat. Thank goodness one of us knew what he was doing: that would be Rob. The other 4 of us pretty much just tried to do as told perched those horses walking narrow mountain-side trails. There was a photo taken of us using a timer on the steps of the cabin, with Rob diving into it in the last second. What an image it was with Cheshire Cat grins all around. After a couple of days Rob delivered safe and sound back to civilization. A leader for sure.. Adios Amigo.
Gerry Fox
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Rick Morley uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
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May 7, 2023 – from Rick Morley
It was with shock and sadness that Yvonne and I learned of Rob Neil’s passing. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Corinne and Rob’s large family. We got to spend a couple of hours with him last September and are so thankful that we had that last time with him.
I met Robere (his nickname) as a hunting partner with Ray Demarchi in late 1970’s. We spent more than a decade hunting elk in various East Kootenay drainages but most often in the Findlay Creek area. We had a lot of adventures some of which we were lucky to have survived. On these hunting trips we took six horses and Robere was our expert packer and certainly our best rangler. He was always a steady hand and had the coolest head of our group. He was also the most ‘dapper’ of the group. I often watched in wonder as he religously waded into the freezing creek water to have a wash. His red neck bandana was his trade mark.
On one trip we took the horses pretty high up a mountain and hunted till after dark. We then rode back down in the pitch black; an often terrifying experience in which the horse is given the rein and the rider attempts to hang on and hope for the best. On reaching the road we then raced them for camp with a bit of light from a low moon. Part way back my horse stumbled; I was thrown over her head and, having hit the road, rolled into bush. Robere eventually stopped to come looking for me and to this day I can hear his voice calling: “Rick, Rick, where are you???” I managed to stumble out of the bush with amazingly hardly a scratch. Robere just laughed and laughed!!
Another time he and I had crossed the creek and were heading back to camp near dusk. We decided a quicker route would be up a step and sandy bank. It was too steep to ride so Robere led his horse and eventually made the top. When I was about half way up my horse decided she had had enough and started jumping and bounding up the slope. She jumped right over me as I had seen her coming and crouched down. She made the top of the bank and headed off into the forest. Robere was on top yelling “Did you see that…..did you see what just happened……….you just about got killed!!!” Again, he laughed and laughed.
I have to say that Robere was one of my best friends. He was a good field biologist, a dedicated conservationist and he was passionate about the things and issues he valued. I learned a lot from Robere and I’m going to miss him … a lot…Rick Morley
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Mike Demarchi uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 8, 2023
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I'm saddened to hear that my late father's dear amigo, Rober', and long-time friend of the Demarchi family saddled up his horse and left us for good. I've known Rob since I was a wee kid back in the 70s when our families did things like paddle down the Kootenay River (photo with Shirley and his Irish Setter, Shannon). We stayed in touch over the years and he once gave me some solid career advice after I finished grad school at UBC: "Mike, if you are going to make a name for yourself as a wildlife biologist, you're going to have to leave the Rocky Mountain Trench." He was alluding to the fact that my dad, Kootenay renegade biologist that he was, had a few detractors out there -- including some in government (which let most of the environmental contracts for aspiring consultants like me back in those days). I always appreciated and respected Rob for that straight-talk. He was a champion for wildlife and a great guy to share a campfire with. I'll miss him. My condolences to Corrine, Jody, Justin, Richard, David, Ming, and all other members of Rob's family.
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Ruth Persson posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Corinne and family
Thinking of you in this difficult time. Losing someone you love is never easy. May the love that surrounds you now help lessen the pain you feel.
My sincere condolences.
Ruth Persson
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Sharron Billey lit a candle
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
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I am so sorry for this shocking unexpected death of Rob. Corrine and all of Rob's family and friends I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you all. May all the happy memories bring a joy to the days, weeks and years ahead. Remember the good times. May he RIP.
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Lauretta Dick(Pagurut) posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
My condolences to the family.. fond memories of Grouse from high school.. his locker always next to mine.. such s fun great guy.
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Kim McNeil posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
I never met your father (Jesse and Sage's grandfather) but I can only assume he was wonderful as all of you. Thinking of you. Hugs, Kim M.
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Wendy Nowicki lit a candle
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
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Condolences to Corinne, Jody and Justin. We are thinking about you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Wendy & Brian
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Matt Besko uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
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I worked closely with Robbie in the Kootenays for BC Environment for a number of years. He was truly a passionate, knowledgeable, intelligent and dedicated conservationist, biologist and strategic thinker. However, this did not define him completely; Robbie’s true strength was as a sincere, kind, loving and loyal human being whose energy, enthusiasm, and passionate dedication to family, friends and loved-ones was exemplary. He was loved and respected by all in the conservation community, and and was known as a builder of meaningful dialogue between all who lived, worked valued and loved the landscapes, habitats, wildlife and fish of south-eastern BC. As we worked on the Kootenay-Boundary Land use plan in the 90’s, Robbie would build long-lasting relationships with stakeholders on a foundation of trust and mutual interests. He was honest and sincere in his work, and passionate to a fault. Together, we worked, fished and hunted, but my favourite memories are of our many conversations about life, and spending time sitting at a campfire with Robbie laughing, as we enjoyed the company of our friends, colleagues and loved-ones, marvelling in the beauty of wildlife and wild places, calling each other Amigos, and not wanting to be anywhere else.
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Fj Hurtak posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Rob was a consistent wealth of information for me over the past few decades when it came to writing my wildlife and outdoor articles. Just a few short weeks ago Rob and I and some other friends had dinner just before an important wildlife meeting in Cranbrook. We discussed relevant wildlife issues and concerns about his friend Doug Martin who was in a Kelowna hospital at the time. Doug too has since passed away. Both will long be remembered as outstanding conservationists. My sincerest condolences to Rob’s family and many friends.
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Darryl and Eleanor Hill posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Corinne and Family,
Eleanor and I are so sad for your unexpected and tragic loss.
You and Rob were just commencing the planning and enjoyment phase for the rest of your life and retirement years together and It's a shame that it has been cut so short.
We admired Robs (Wildlife) interests and dedication to his causes and have undoubtedly benefited in many ways from the input he has provided to the environment and wildlife of this province and Kootenay area.
We will miss seeing him at auctions, meetings, gun shows and our informal discussions on the streets of Cranbrook.
CORINNE, PLEASE REMEMBER ALL YOUR HAPPY TIMES TOGETHER!!
DARRYL AND ELEANOR HILL
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Jesse Coyne uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
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Jesse Coyne uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
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Jesse Coyne uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
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Jodie posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
It’s me Jesse I’m really sad but one of my best memories I can’t name them all but one is when he took Colton and I to the river last year we didn’t get anything but Colton and I got 6 trees
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Tanya Ryan lit a candle
Monday, May 1, 2023
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My sincere condolences for the great loss that you all have suffered. The kindness and values that Rob touched every person's life with will never be forgotten.
I had the honor of working with Rob and his horses for many years. We had great rides, intectual conversations and many laughs. I am heart broken for your loss, I will greatly miss his big smile and vivacious 'live life' attitude.
With deepest sympathy,
Tanya Ryan
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The family of Rob Neil uploaded a photo
Monday, May 1, 2023
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CRANBROOK
Location
2200 - 2nd Street South
Cranbrook, BC
V1C 1E1
PHONE: (250) 426-3132
TOLL FREE:
1-800-619-4222
FAX: (250)-426-5811
Kimberley
Location
1885 Warren Ave.
Kimberley, BC
V1A 1R9
PHONE: (250) 426-3132
TOLL FREE:
1-800-619-4222
FAX: (250)-426-5811