Obituary of Neil Alexander Balkwill

BALKWILL, Neil Alexander

May 25, 1923 - November 10, 2018

Neil Balkwill, of Regina, SK passed peacefully into the arms of Our Lord at Sunset Extendicare on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the age of 95 years. Predeceased by his son Tom (Dec. 31/ 15) and his beautiful wife Elaine (Nov. 22/12); parents William and Ethel Balkwill; five brothers - Bob, Stan, Roy, Ron and Jesse; four sisters - Rosalene May, Calla, Myva and Grace; and special friend Doris Balkwill. He is survived by his Son Chris (Kim) Balkwill, Daughter Marilyn (Phil) Bradel of Texas; Grandsons - Steven (Angie), Dean (Lisa), Danny (Katie) Balkwill, and Rocky (Toshia) Hayden; Great Grandchildren – Kate, Aimee, Jake, Jordan, Sumner, Parker, Finley, Jaedan; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Born May 25, 1923 in Ellisboro, Saskatchewan, Neil spent his boyhood in rural Saskatchewan (Sask.) and in 1942 left for three and one-half years’ service with the Canadian Army overseas.

In the past thirty-seven years Neil established his first job with the City of Regina as Teen Centre Supervisor (1945) and continued on to hold the positions of Arts and Craft - Instructor (1948)/Supervisor (1952), Community Centre Supervisor (1955), Chief Supervisor of Recreation (1956), Superintendent of Recreation (1969), and Acting Director of Parks and Recreation (1981).  By 1982 he had to his credit the development of Regina’s Community Zone System, was instrumental in establishing The Regina Arts Commission, and The City and School Reciprocal Use Agreement.

Throughout his career Neil was active on National, Provincial and local levels promoting parks and recreation development, and the arts and sports as community activities.  The many awards he has received include The Canadian Order of Merit (1982), Honorary Life Time Membership to The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association, President of The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (1971-1972), The Service Award from Saskatchewan Recreation Society, and Chair on the Board of Regency for Extraordinary Service to Recreation. He was a highly respected Recreation Director with the City of Regina for many years and was honored in 1982 for his contribution and support in Community Arts and Recreation with the building that bears his name, the “Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Centre” at 2420 Elphinstone Street.

Neil led a fast paced and rewarding life, pretty much from start to finish. He adored his family, liked to travel, visit his children, and was an avid gardener. He was dedicated to loving and serving The Lord, his Church (i.e. First Baptist Church) and volunteering/working with the dedicated people from The Gideons. He met many interesting people passing out Bibles at schools throughout the province and after children asked how he came to lose his arm, he had requests from many teachers asking him to come back and give presentations about World War II. Neil had a gift for weaving the facts and events into educational presentations with pictures and maps that were fit for children, but that kept children and adults alike spellbound, and asking for more. He would plant a seed, give the Glory of his survival to Whom it belonged, spread His Word and blessings, and leave praying that the Lord’s Garden would grow.

Prior to taking up residence at Sunset Extendicare, Neil lived at College Court.  We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation for their help and support prior to and in preparation of Dad’s move to Sunset Extendicare.

To Sunset Extendicare friends and staff, and our special friends Muriel Cameron, daughter Lynn and family … we are in your debt. The friendship and love you extended to all of us, the amazing care you gave both my parents, Doris and Neil Balkwill and what it has meant to us, cannot be described or repaid.  All we can say is thank you.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Friday, May 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 001, 1820 Cornwall Street, Regina, SK S4P 2K2.