It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Muriel McNeil, who passed away peacefully on May 29 at qathet General Hospital with her family by her side. Left to cherish her memories are her beloved husband of 62 years Dennis, sons Steve (Lynnda) and Scott (Carolyn), grandchildren Callie, Cameron and Brogan, and her sister Margaret Mathieson in Scotland. She was predeceased by her brother Robert Manson.
Muriel was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, where she met Dennis, her lifelong partner of 64 years. They married in 1961 and resided in Aberdeen where Steve was born in 1962.
They immigrated to Canada in 1965, landing in Vancouver for one year. From there they spent 18 months in Ocean Falls, and then onto Powell River, where Scott was born in 1969.
Muriel worked part time in the mill offices and at BC Tel. She then settled into a career with the BC government agency offices until her retirement in 1997.
Muriel’s passion for life was evident. She was very proud of her Scottish heritage and her hobbies including Scottish country dancing, the St. Andrews Ladies Club and hitting the links.
Muriel always loved to travel with Dennis and the kids and continued to do so well into retirement. She adored her family and friends as much as we adored her.
When health issues arose in the last three years, Muriel took it in stride, battling through surgery and treatments with courage and positivity. The family would like to express our gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Muriel, including the personal care and compassion of Dr. Van Zyl, the staff of the hospital fourth floor, and our VCH care and private care workers.
A private celebration of her life will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the BC Cancer Society would be appreciated.
“And we’ll all go together, to pick wild mountain thyme, All across the purple heather, will ye go lassie go.”
