We Remember
CHRISTIANSEN, Neal C.
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Neal Christiansen passed away on November 22, 2022. He was predeceased by an infant son, Dean Michael, and a younger brother, Terry. Neal is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Avona; daughters Kim of Saskatoon, SK and Theresa (Wilf) of Kelowna, BC; grandson Jordan of Vancouver, BC; and brother Dale (Sharon) in Edmonton, AB; along with many nephews and nieces.
Neal was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. His career was spent in the Public Service with the Governments of Saskatchewan, the Yukon Territorial Government in Whitehorse, and the Federal Department of Employment and Immigration. From 1976 until his retirement in 1990, Neal was the Federal Government Representative Counsellor to Okanagan College – KLO Campus.
Athletics were a passion of Neal’s, and lastly, he was involved with Robertson slow-pitch until he was 85. Neal was a founding member of the Kelowna Senior Men’s Competitive slow pitch league. He played with many medal winning teams throughout Western Canada and the United States. Additionally, Neal never fell off the Canucks bandwagon.
Throughout Neal’s career, he was sensitive to those in need. He displayed a subtle graciousness which was combined with a unique blend of wit and charm.
In memory of Neal, should you wish to make a donation, please consider the BC Cancer Agency – Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior, www.bccancer.bc.ca, or the Kelowna SPCA, spca.bc.ca/locations/kelowna, where Neal was a volunteer dog walker for many years.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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BC Cancer Agency - Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior or the Kelowna SPCA, Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca, spca.bc.ca/locations/kelowna
Condolences
Dear Avona and family: What a punch in the gut this is to find that a friend and mentor has passed on. We weren’t that close but over the years since we played Senior Slow Pitch, Neal did become a compassionate friend as he, John Ewashko and I would occasionally soak ourselves in coffee at Timmies and relive the good old days on the diamond. Neal was there to teach me the ins and outs of slow pitch when I was a fumbling beginner at the game. I felt I owed him a lot that I could never repay He was a classy gentleman and will be sorely missed by many My deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of a great husband and father.
Sad indeed to hear of the passing of Neal. We would remember with fondness Neal the spelunker, Neal the ball player, and Neal the gracious host. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. From Schnikelfritz and family.
Avona and family – We were very saddened to hear of Neal’s passing. What a ‘good guy’. He was a breath of fresh air and kindness. He was a dedicated dog walker who brought them joy. We appreciated his compassionate, passion and friendship over those years.
I was very sad to learn of Neals passing. Avona you have my heart felt condolences. He was a marvelous man and I missed him at ball the last two years. All the best to you and the family.
Avona – I knew Neal during the period I worked at the U.I. office in Kelowna. He was a real gentleman and to you and your family I send my sincere condolences on his passing.