It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. William (Willie) Neale, at the age of 101 years

Willie was born on his grandparents (Laycock) farm 1 ½ miles from where he grew up on his parents farm in the Eagle Hills School District of Battleford. The eldest of five children going to school five miles away or cutting across country which was always a challenge. He learned to ride horseback very early in life as school was not in his blood so he often was late. Farming became his livelihood, retiring from it in 1997 when his son took over. His interests in skating, playing hockey at his uncle Roy’s slough and Cameron’s near the school was the winter past time. In summers playing ball, family gatherings, rodeos and dances between the mixed farming with his dad and helping out relatives and neighbors.

In October 1947 he married Doris Leite and took over the family farm, they came into the modern age gradually from horses to tractors and trucks. In 1964 he bought his first car at Morrison’s Garage Auction sale. It was a blue and white 1959 Chev Bel Aire. He waited until 1986 on his retirement to buy a new car. Doris and Willie’s involvement in the community, family gatherings were always at the top of their list. In their retiring years Willie was Doris’s support for transportation and helping out where she and her sisters volunteered their music. Willie drove school bus for 19 years (1967-1986) and Doris for 8 years (1973-1981) for Simpson and Lane. In 1997 they moved into Battleford and celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary. In 2017 they had their 70^th wedding anniversary before Doris passed away in January 2018. Willie moved from Meadow Sweet Manor in 2017 to Battleford District Care Centre, to be closer to his wife, then in June to River Heights Lodge. There he knew a few friends and relatives, enjoying their company. He loved going outside on the patio, going on country tours and trips to the farm. Visits from family and phone calls he always looked forward to.

A celebration of life will take place in June 2022 at the Willowmore cemetery

 

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to T’Neale Bosman of Sallows & McDonald~Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford, SK.

• Date : 2021-11-08
• Location : North Battleford, Saskatchewan