Neil was born a blue baby on July 8, 1963 at the hospital in Wadena Saskatchewan. Diagnosed with Ebstein’s Anomoly, doctors at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto predicted he would not live past the age of five. Neil didn’t get the memo. He lived to receive a life-saving valve replacement surgery at the Mayo Clinic when he was 21 and went on to marry twice, have five kids, farm for forty more years and live every day to the fullest. He was due to receive a whole new heart later this year when he died suddenly on Tuesday July 16, 2024 at the General & Marine Hospital, Collingwood at the age of 61.
Neil of Stayner, Ontario and of Kelvington, Saskatchewan maintained farming in Saskatchewan 6 months of the year while spending the other 6 with his wife and children in Ontario with the help of his whole family. Neil was the beloved husband of Jennifer Irving and loving father of Charles and Jill (Nathan) Irving of Saskatoon and Colin, Olyndra and Neelah Irving of Stayner. Cherished grandfather of Max and Theo of Saskatoon. Devoted son of Allen and Carroll Irving and dear brother of Beth (Nigel Mayo), David (Tammy), Dale (Allison) and Tim (Stacey) Irving. Neil will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins along with all those who were just like family to him, his in-laws, his friends (whether life-long or forged over a coffee or a curling game), and of course, his fellow farmers. Neil was a gentle man who made friends easily. He enjoyed making conversation with whoever crossed his path. His passion was farming with his father, uncle, brother and cousin near Kelvington, Saskatchewan.
He wasn’t known for his strategy at cards or games but loved to play and joke around. He enjoyed curling and shuffleboard and coffee time at the corner or after church (or anywhere!) and supporting his family and their activities, and pretty much anything that you could do and still have a great visit. He also loved a crop tour and a good nap. Neil dealt with his heart condition with courage and determination. He would never let anyone tell him he was sick or admit that he was feeling unwell, and loved to agree that he was too stubborn to die. He was one of a kind so we really believed he might have been right about that. He will be deeply grieved. Friends will be received at the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home, 7313 Highway 26, Stayner on Saturday July 20, 2024 from 2 to 4 p.m. A Celebration of Neil’s Life will be held in Kelvington, Saskatchewan later in July. If desired, a donation to Centennial United Church, Stayner or Kelvington United Church or your favorite organization that supports farming would be appreciated by his family.