Obituary of Neil Leonard Featherling

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved dad, husband, son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, Neil Featherling, at the age of 40 years old.

Neil was born in Cranbrook on Friday July 13th, 1984, the second of four children, to Aaron and Lynda Featherling. Some people think the number thirteen is unlucky, but thirteen was Neil's lucky number and he loved every Friday the thirteenth.

Neil grew up working for the family logging business. He loved running equipment and loved that dirt earned him money.

In 2001 Neil met Krista, who was programmed in his phone for years as 'the old ball and chain'.

When Neil graduated in 2002, he spent the summer logging in Kaslo before returning to Cranbrook for college in the fall to start his Heavy Duty Mechanic schooling. At that time, Neil and Krista moved into what can only be described as a shack.

In the spring of 2003, Neil was hired on at Inland Kenworth to start his apprenticeship. He quickly learned that he had to think smarter and work twice as hard to finish a job faster than the old guys so people would respect him. He hated being a mechanic but he was extremely talented at what he did and he loved playing with the equipment he worked on. 

This was also the year that Neil and Krista bought their home. Neil had saved up enough money to pay in cash and he was so proud that his years of hard work had paid off.

In 2005, Neil and Krista were married. A lot of their time was spent quading, shooting and camping.

In 2007 daughter Caydants was born, followed by son Damen in 2009, daughter Atlin in 2011 and daughter Bryah in 2012. The quading changed to side-by-siding to accommodate car seats.

In 2011 Neil jumped the work fence and moved his tools to Finning for a change of scenery. Many of his loyal customers followed him.

As the kids grew, they weren't happy just riding in the side-by-sides so the tiny dirt bikes started getting packed on adventures too. Then Neil decided he'd need a dirt bike to more easily chase the big kids. He decided Krista needed one too so she could follow the little girls. Soon everyone was dirt biking and so much time was spent at Ta Ta camping or in Jaffray with our adopted family members.

During the winters, Neil before kids loved to get out sledding. After kids, it made more sense to ski instead. We'd spend whole nights and days or sometimes both, as a family at the ski hill. We also loved to get out in log blocks or unused roads up Perry creek and make our own tracks in the snow.

Neil was the most caring father and he was so proud of his kids. He loved spending time with them and teaching them everything he knew. He had so much patience but he expected them to give 100% effort in everything they did. 

We never travelled far but we've had more adventures as a family than most families experience in a lifetime. He always said there was so much ground to explore in our own backyard, there was no point in checking anywhere else out.

Neil will be forever lovingly remembered by his wife Krista Featherling (Pighin); children Caydants, Damen, Atlin and Bryah; parents Aaron and Lynda; siblings Mark & Dusty Featherling, Shelby & Donavon Pfeifer and Lee Featherling; nieces Riley and Hailey; nephews Brandon and Ryan; many aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws in both the Featherling and Pighin families; and the most amazing crew of friends that are family too.

He was predeceased by grandparents Albert and Klara Featherling, as well as Alban and Dorothy Tew and multiple aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a private graveside service for immediate family members.

A celebration of life will follow at a later date. Please watch for more information.