Chesley Llewellyn (Lew) Neil

NEIL Chesley Llewellyn (Lew) July 17, 1926 – Nov. 13, 2019 Corner Brook, NL Chesley Llewellyn (Lew) Neil passed peacefully away surrounded by his family on November 13, 2019 at the age of 93 years. He leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories his children, Wayne (Trudy), Evelyn Russell (Edward), Olive LeDrew, Robert (Karen), Beatrice Noseworthy (Larry). Daughter-in-law Eileen Neil. Seventeen grandchildren: Cindi, Todd (Leanne), Krista (Enrico), Tina (Peter), Edward (Danielle), Maryann, Linda (Corey), Rodney (Julie), Natasha (Clint), Peter (Wendy), Derek (Brynn), Kathy (Keiko), Mark (Jenn), Jennifer (Bernard), Michael, Laura, and Wanda. Twenty-one great grandchildren: Alyssa, Cole, Elizabeth, Bailey, Brandon, Grace, Jacob, Aliyah, Carlie, Tyler, Colby, Kylie, Kelsie (Peter), Austin, Victoria (Mitch), Megan, Gisele, Sebastian, Owen, Haley, Adalynn, Sofie and Angel. Two great-great grandchildren Christian and Kennedy. Brother Harrison (June) (Viola), and sister Margaret Greening; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Meade and brothers-in-law Freeman (Maisie), and William Brake; and long-time family friend, Priscilla Boutcher as well as a large number of nieces, nephews, and friends. Lew was predeceased by his wife, Vivian (1997), sons Derick, and Gerald, son-in-law, Michael LeDrew, great-grandson Evan, parents Harrison and Mary, parents-in-law, Beatrice and William Brake, brothers William and Arthur (Leona) and brother-in-law, Munroe Greening. The family will always have special memories and much gratitude for the dedicated staff of the DVA ward at The Long Term Care Centre. Lew was born July 17, 1926 in Clarenville to parents Mary and Harrison Neil. As a young man he was employed at the asphalt plant in Clarenville. He enlisted in the army in September 1942 and completed his training in St. John’s at Shannon Field. He served as a guard in the army for three years with the British Army on Belle Island. At the end of the war, upon his release from the army Lew moved to Corner Brook. The same year he met Vivian Brake and they married on December 17, 1945. Lew and Vivian had seven children, four boys and three girls. Lew was employed for 35 years with the Canadian National Railway. He started as a brakeman, progressed to conductor, trainman and yardmaster. He took an early retirement in 1979 and later went to work as a commissionaire with the RCMP. Lew was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and served many years on the Executive of Branch 13 in Corner Brook. He was elected for a time as membership representative. For two years he was a vestry member with All Saints’ Anglican Church where he was elected as synod voting delegate and served two years as People’s Warden. For a time he also assumed the role of scouting movement chairman. He was also a member of the Rod and Gun organization in Massey Drive, representing the sports of hunting and fishing which he enjoyed for many years. He also served on the Massey Drive Town Council. After retirement Lew travelled extensively, enjoyed singing and playing his guitar and always expressed love and pride for his family. Visitation for family and friends took place at Country Haven Funeral Home, 167 Country Road on Friday, November 15, 2019 from the hours of 2-4 & 7-9 pm. The funeral service took place at the All Saints Anglican Church, 44 Clarence Street on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 2 pm with Rev. Tanya White and The Most Rev. Percy Coffin officiating. Interment took place at the Townsite Anglican Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, flowers are graciously accepted and/or memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 13): The Poppy Trust Fund. “Forever In Our Hearts”