John David Neil Weber. It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of Neil Weber on Father’s Day, June 18th, 2023 at his home in Coalburn, Nova Scotia. He was a loving and trusted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
He was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba, August 17th, 1939, the youngest son of Rochelle and John Weber. His early years were spent in Hamilton, Ontario. At 15 he moved to Ottawa where he graduated from Saint Pats High School.
In September 1959, he attended Saint Francis Xavier University, where he was a star running back and was co-captain of the football team his senior year. He graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science. Following graduation he moved to Peterborough, Ontario where he taught high school and coached football while acquiring a Bachelor of Education. In 1966 he moved to Pointe Claire, Quebec where he continued to teach and coach high school football. During those years he acquired a Masters of Education from McGill University. In 1972 he returned to Pictou, Nova Scotia with his family where he owned and operated a local furniture store. In the early 80's Neil returned to the classroom to pursue his passion for teaching. In retirement, he enjoyed spending sunny days in Florida with his wife and love of his life, Brenda.
He was an avid competitor who loved the thrill of the "game". Although football was his passion, he tried his hand at rugby, curling, Shotokan martial arts, cross country skiing, swimming and most recently the stressless activity of golf. He generously donated his time to youth-sports, coaching football, baseball, hockey, soccer, and swimming. Forever the coach and mentor, he could always be seen cheering on his children and grandchildren in all their athletic endeavours.
Always generous with his time, Neil was very involved in the local community. He was a member of the YMCA, the ACTS Theater Society, the Abercrombie Golf Club, and Gyros. As a man of faith, he cared deeply for his church families at both the Trinity United Church and the St George's Anglican Church of New Glasgow. He graciously supported refugee families moving into Pictou County.
Neil loved his family and was proud of his children and grandchildren; he always felt so blessed by his legacy. He is survived by his wife, Brenda (MacLaughlin), Coalburn; his daughter, Tara Fanning (Lee) Braeshore; sons, Mark (Cathy), Riverview NB, Tim (Krystyl), Calgary AB, and Tony, Braeshore. He is: Gump to Seamus; Grampy to Claire and Nathan; Grumpy to Logan and Lauren; and Grump to Meagan, Emile and Liam.
He is also survived by his brother, Bryant, Gatineau QC; the mother of his children, Joan MacFarland (John) Abercrombie, NS; his sister-in-law, Judy Potter (Wynne), Colby Village NS, and brother-in-law, Allan MacLaughlin (Audrey), Abercrombie, NS and their families. He is cherished by many nieces and nephews and forever loved by all.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Jennifer Anderson NP, Dr. Amy Punke, Rev. Donna Tourneur and Brian and Greg Hiscott at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow, NS.
Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held 4-7pm Thursday, June 22, at the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow with a funeral service and celebration of life to be held at 11am Friday, June 23, at Trinity United Church, 151 Temperance St., New Glasgow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Trinity United Church for the Safe Harbour Foundation. Livestreaming for the funeral will be available on:
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/events/2042907926065712)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3ZPSdi8uUE)
Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83797339162) Meeting ID: 83797339162