Brian Joseph Yves Neill     
September 10, 1961 – February 26, 2024

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Brian Neill on Monday, February 26, 2024, in his winter home in Mexico.  His loving partner, Tracy Frederickson, was by his side when he passed.  Brian was 62.

Brian was born in 1961 in Montreal and moved to Toronto when he was 13.  He attended Ledbury Park JHS and Lawrence Park Collegiate where he met his lifelong best friend, David Spencer.  Brian studied food & beverage management at George Brown College and then managed several bars and restaurants in Toronto and the Niagara area.

In 1989, Brian moved out west to Calgary and continued his passion for food & beverage and managed the Hose & Hydrant in Inglewood with his wife at the time, Tracy Homans (they became friends again later in life).  Brian then joined the family business of property development with his mom Niki, father David, uncle Alec, and sister, Sandra.  He worked in the family business for over 30 years.  Brian had always been a hands-on kind of person and had the mind of an engineer. He excelled in the family business learning complex skills and embraced the role of construction management as the family business transformed downtown Calgary by renovating historic buildings like the Alberta Hotel Building, The Clarence Block, Art Central, and Fashion Centre.  Prior to this he helped redevelop shopping complexes like Heritage Hills Centre, Lake Bonavista Promenade, and Village Square.

Brian retired in 2012, sold his house and bought his beloved sailboat, Woodwind 1.  It was his lifelong dream to live aboard and abroad.  He spent the last 11 winters living on his sailboat in Paradise Village Marina in Nuevo Vallarta, MX.  He always had projects on the go, whether it be replacing canvas, making repairs to the boat, or helping fellow cruisers.  Brian called British Columbia home in the summer and in the last 6 summers he resided in RVs, either living off the grid near Panorama Mountain Village, BC, or traveling across Canada. 

In the last couple of years of his life, Brian said he was “living the dream” by sailing and living on his sailboat in Mexico and travelling the world with his partner Tracy.  Some of their travels included a river cruise in Eastern Europe, visiting his auntie Lee in Malaysia and area, and visiting his best friend David Spencer in Japan.  During a cross Canada trip in the summer of 2023, he was able to reconnect with many of his family and friends. 

Brian is predeceased by his mother Nicole Neill, his Uncle Alec Neill, and his Uncle Neill Neill.  Brian loved dogs and his beloved dog Zoey passed away in January when Brian was in hospital.  Brian is survived by spouse Tracy Frederickson, sister Sandra Neill, her son Landen, his Auntie Lee Neill, stepfather David Neill.

Rest in peace, Brian, and know that you will eternally be loved.