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James O’Neill Allison
March 16
JAMES O’NEILL ALLISON
With profound sadness and much love, we announce the peaceful passing of James O’Neill Allison, “Neill,” our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, on March 3, 2024, at 86 years of age.
Left to cherish Neill’s memory are his loving wife, Sandra of 58 years; his three children, Teresa (David), James (Lisa), and Kim (Dave); grandchildren, Ryan, Emily, Owen, Matthew, Jordyn, Eric, Connor, Cameron, and Carter. Also mourning Neill’s loss are his brother, Ron, brother-in-law, Donnie, sister-in-law, Joan, nieces, Sandra, Karen, and Wendy, nephews, Brett and Craig, and dear friends. Neill was predeceased by his parents, James and Josephine; his aunt, Gertrude; and his brother, Dennis.
Born on January 25, 1938, Neill grew up on Sherburn Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and attended Laura Secord and Gordon Bell High School. He graduated from United College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960 and from the University of Western Ontario with a Master of Business Administration degree in 1962. After graduating, Neill worked at James Richardson, where he and Sandra cultivated many lifelong friends. Later, he embarked on a long, successful career with the Province of Manitoba.
Unbeknownst to Neill, he would marry the “girl next door,” Sandra, who became the love of his life. Sandra and Neill married on November 26, 1965. Everyone who knew them felt their enduring love. They raised their three children in St James amongst a tight-knit group of neighbors on Valleyview Drive.
Neill’s life was a testament to his unwavering love for his family. He spent countless hours guiding his children through their studies, chauffeuring them to various activities, and always being there to lend a supportive ear or help wherever needed. He was passionate about family get-togethers, pool time in the backyard, family road trips, summers in Lac du Bonnet, and, in later years, he cherished visits to his children’s lakes. His love for his wife and children extended to his nine grandchildren, of whom he was immensely proud and enjoyed many memorable moments, which each of them will hold dearly.
Neill was a man of many talents. He took pride in many projects around the house and was a force to be reckoned with for anyone wanting to play pool, ping-pong, bridge or chess. His beautiful command of the English language, which he maintained well into his final years, often left his listeners in awe.
Neill will be lovingly remembered as an intelligent man who was always ready to engage in thoughtful conversations. He was a man of immeasurable patience who was gracious and compassionate in all his interactions. Neill’s quiet demeanor and gentle nature were deeply appreciated by those who knew him, providing a source of comfort and inspiration. His humility was a shining example of his character, always putting others before himself. His elaborate stories and whimsical sense of humour were treasured by many, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre for caring for Neill for over two years and the team at Grace Hospital who looked after him in his final days.
A funeral service will be held in Neill’s honour on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB.