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Neil Judson Coy

March 24, 2013

January 1929 - March 2013

Neil Judson Coy passed away suddenly on March 24, 2013. Born in Calgary, Alberta in 1929, Neil was the only son of Margaret and Cecil Coy of High River, Alberta. He was raised on the family farm and attended Blackie school with his two younger sisters.

After graduating from SAIT in 1954 with a diploma in Surveying and Drafting, Neil set out to work as a surveyor on various pipeline and highway projects in Northern Alberta, the Yukon and the N.W.T. These early adventures were the beginning of a lifelong love of the north. He hitchhiked extensively throughout Europe before taking an instructor position at SAIT in the Surveying and Drafting department. Dad returned to the north on several occasions as a surveyor and photographer. Dad was very passionate about his career and truly enjoyed mentoring and tutoring his students. Neil was a member of the Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association (ALSA).

Neil met Judy Macfarlane square dancing and in 1965 they married and together they raised three daughters. In 1984 Neil and Judy retired to Salt Spring Island, then moved to Sidney B.C. in 1989 where Neil continued to pursue his love of photography and the outdoors. He was a member of the Sidney Shutter Bugs Camera Club and the senior’s hiking club. He looked forward to his weekly hikes and socializing with his friends. Neil was well known in the Sidney area where they set up at the local flea market and craft sales to sell Mom’s beautiful handmade jewelry and garage sale items. Dad always went out of his way to visit and maintain connections with his students, colleagues and family. He was a truly genuine patient man with a gentle soul and a generous heart.

The greatest gift he passed on to each of his daughters was his love of the outdoors. Our fondest memories come from canoeing the Bowron Lake Chain as a family.

Neil leaves behind his wife Judy and three daughters, Laureen Barr, Joanne Reay-West (David) and Vivian MacMurchy (John), as well as six grandchildren Jeff, Marty, Duane, Brittany, Felicia and Sterling. He is remembered by his two sisters Norma McKeage (Keith), Marion McKeage and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life at a later date in the Calgary area. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Dad’s memory. Condolences can be sent to sidneybc@simplycremations.com



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