Neil Eulogy October 17, 2024 Ross Collishaw

Hello everyone. My name is Ross Collishaw. I am a proud brother-in-law to Barb and Uncle to Kevin, Rachel Mary Ann and Laura. I want to give a huge shout out to Mary Ann for the wonderful Collishaw.ca website.

I am honoured to say a few words about my brother Neil. Neil and I bookended both the Collishaw family and the baby boom generation with our years of birth ranging from 1946 to 1964. I looked up to Neil as my big brother and always respected his advice and counsel. Our relationship was positive and joyful. We never once exchanged harsh words or said things we later regretted. I always had the feeling Neil had my back and was watching out for me.

Neil was wise, intelligent, methodical and thoughtful. These attributes were a tremendous support during challenging times. When my mother passed away in 1984, I was only 20 years old. At the time, I lived with my father whose health was declining. This was a hard time. Looking back now I realize Neil played a major role in shepherding me through these tough years. I think he knew this was an important time in my life. He stayed in touch and asked me about my plans. I didn’t have a stellar first year at university and was thinking about dropping out and finding a job. Neil suggested I stay at school and came with me to see the registrar at Western in time to get registered for the school year. During the summer of 1985, Neil invited me to spend a couple of months in Ottawa. He paid me $50 a week plus room and board to do odd jobs around the house and to occasionally watch the kids. During that summer we had many long talks about my future plans. Looking back on the summer of 1985, I credit Neil’s calming influence and thoughtfulness with contributing to my future success. I finished my degree at Western and married Laurie in 1989 and here I am!

In later years, Laurie and I enjoyed many visits with Neil and Barb in Ottawa, in London, at the cottage, on PEI, and visiting Kevin and Kat in Mexico. Neil was spontaneous and would have suggestions and ideas that led to fun and adventure. He always had fun ideas like: Let’s go for a run through the student neighbourhood during Western’s homecoming, let’s see if we can find the mica mine in a mosquito infested swamp, let’s go fishing, let’s go jump in the lake, let’s help our cousins with farm chores, let’s order mojitos at the pool bar in Mexico. I said yes to all these suggestions and yes, we had lots fun. The only suggestion I gave a hard no to was when he said “I know it’s minus 33 but we should watch the fireworks down on the canal.” Before I said no, I said I’m a south western Ontario boy and by the way, -33 does not include the windchill.

To Neil I say thank you for your presence in my life. Thank you for the love, laughter and unforgettable memories. Most of all, thank you for being the most amazing big brother and for being there for me through thick and thin.