McKNIGHT
Neil Galbraith
Oct. 5, 1930 - Apr. 30, 2017
We lost a piece of our hearts when Neil passed away at the age of 86 years. Neil left this world in the early morning hours of April 30, 2017, with May, his loving wife of 62 years by his side. He was born in the Calgary General Hospital on October 5, 1930, to Jim and Kate McKnight. Neil was raised on his parent's dairy farm in Springbank. He continued to farm for the rest of his life. Meeting his wife, May, at Pennelly's Dance Hall in March 1954, they were married August 7, 1954. Neil and May started farming at his parents' farm until April 1, 1959 when they moved to their current farm near Spruce View, Alberta. While Neil enjoyed farming, his greatest passion was Square and Round Dancing. May convinced Neil to start taking lessons in 1967 and they continued to enjoy this activity until Neil had a stroke in March 2015. Neil started calling square and round dances in 1975. His love of this was evident in the Long Service Award he received in 2016. Neil excelled at any, and all, of his pursuits: Excellent hockey and baseball player, President of Olds College Students' Union 1949-1950, President of Spruce View Co-op 1960s, President of Central Alberta Callers Association. Neil was predeceased by his parents, James McKnight (1976) and Catherine McKnight (1980); infant son Brett Cameron (1961); brothers Harold (Jean), Robert (Shirley), John (Marguerite) and sister June (Mel Pratt), sister-in-law Blanche, and son-in-law Einer Gustafson. Niel is survived by his loving wife May, their children: Teri, Dan (Suzanne), Wanda (Paul Laurin), Jess (Rose), Janet, Brian (Lisa), 15 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, brothers Arnold (Jeanette) and Lawrence, and sister Barb (Bob Mick), and numerous nieces, nephews, and more friends than anyone can count!
Forever Loved, Never Forgotten
A Memorial Service will be held at the King of Kings Lutheran Church (Dickson location), on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. followed by fellowship and refreshments at the Spruce View Community Hall. If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation in lieu of flowers.
HEARTLAND FUNERAL SERVICES LTD., Innisfail entrusted with arrangements. 403-227-0006. www.heartlandfuneralservices.com