We Remember

NEAL, Robert Alan

September 5, 1933 — July 25, 2024

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved father, Robert Alan Neal, at the age of 90 on July 25, 2024. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Kelowna General Hospital. He was born on September 5, 1933 at the St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Robert, known by most as Bob, is survived by his sister Dorothy (Gordon) Terrel, of Cambridge, Ontario; brother Dale (Beth) Neal, of Spruce Home, Saskatchewan. He will also be missed by his four children: Kathy (Kent) Milani, of Calgary, Alberta; Kimberley (Darren) Rintoul, of Kelowna, B.C.; Karen Neal (Joe Rogers), of Kelowna, B.C.; and Rob (Jennifer) Neal, of Kelowna, B.C. In addition, he was blessed with nine grandchildren: Kasey Milani, of Edmonton, Alberta; Krista (Michael) Kreuzer, of Edmonton, Alberta; Kathleen Milani, of London, Ontario; Michael (Brenna) Rintoul, of Juno Beach, Florida; Brooke (Lucas) Pudsey, of Burlington, Ontario; Lauren Neal of Kelowna, B.C.; and Jake, Riley, and Bradley Neal of Kelowna, B.C.; as well as his two great-grandchildren: Sofia and Olivia Pudsey, of Burlington, Ontario, and another great-grandchild on the way in Alberta! He was predeceased by his sister Linda in 1960, parents Charles and Hazel Neal, and grandparents John and Mary Eckhardt.

Bob attended the Prince Albert Collegiate Institute, receiving his senior matriculation in 1954. While attending high school, he worked part-time at the National Fruit Co. from 1950-1953 as a stock clerk that enabled him to buy his first vehicle, a 1923 Ford truck. After high school, he was employed by the Texaco Oil Company and later with Kern Farm Equipment Company, at which time he decided to further his education. From 1955-1960, he apprenticed in Prince Albert, Sask. with the chartered accounting firm E. Thompson & Co., receiving a starting salary of $60.00 per month. In 1960, he entered the hospital field, joining the staff as an accountant consultant of Quill Plains Hospital Council. This position originated in Humboldt but moved its headquarters to Yorkton, Sask. and changed its name to the East Central Regional Hospital Council. In 1965, he was appointed coordinator of the Yorkton Union Hospital and a dozen other district hospitals. Seven years later, he left the hospital field to fulfill an entrepreneurial desire. His first venture was to own and operate the Christina Lake Resort in B.C. This business led to many others. He was involved in over 20 private corporations, too many to mention. To highlight a few, he was the co-owner of The Royal Canadian Alpaca Ranch that undertook the then largest assignment in the world to move 750 animals in two Boeing 747-100s from Melbourne, Australia to Calgary, Alberta. In 1982, he approached the Edmonton International Airport with the idea of a low-cost parking lot linked to the terminal by shuttle bus. His idea became a successful business called Park-N-Ride until 1989 when the airport land lease came to end whereupon the government ran its own parking lot using the same model. From the hotel business, to airport parking, to alpaca breeding, gas and gold exploration and more, each business endeavour gave him invaluable insight and experience, all facilitating his accounting and administrative skills.

He enjoyed photography and many sports. He was a boxer, basketball player, curler, golfer, high board diver, swimmer, and water and snow skier. Big White became a home in 2015, where he enjoyed snowmobiling and hitting the slopes until just a few years ago. He participated in hunting, fishing, and numerous other outdoor activities. In 1960, he was an active community member of the Jaycees, an organization dedicated in work and fellowship to the betterment of the community, the individual, and the unit. He was the president during the 1963-64 term to head the Humboldt unit of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and later a director of the Yorkton Jaycees.

The Funeral Service and interment will be conducted at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, with Barb Samuel officiating. It is the family’s request that the service be a private event. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kelowna Food Bank.

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Kelowna Food Bank Link: cofoodbank.com

 


 


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Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke