One of five children, Neil grew up in Scarborough. While his brother, Fred, bowled in the Canadian Junior Bowling Congress at Knob Hill Bowl, Neil may have been “self-taught”.
Born in 1948, Neil dabbed in the local major leagues in the 1960’s before qualifying for his first provincial Open on a mixed team in 1977. This team enjoyed success at all levels as they won the Ontario Winter Games in North Bay, the provincial Open in Hamilton, and the national title in Niagara Falls, the first triple crown in 5 pin bowling. Coached by Gene Deschenes, the team members were Neil, John Inglis, Pat Lynch, Sandy Barrett, and Hall of Famers, Doris Stewart, Ron Gifford and Chuck Park. As well as three gold medals, Neil was named to the All-Star team at the national finals.
Neil was successful again in 1981 on a mixed team as he bowled in Hamilton with his wife, Diane, also a Hall of Famer. Again in 1985, Neil and Diane both qualified for the stepladder final at the Open. Neil lost in the final to Bill Korz and the ladies’ winner was Pam Rioux. In all, Neil bowled in 17 provincial finals and even coached on two occasions. His final appearance was on a mixed team in 1997.
In June of 1978, Neil continued his outstanding bowling. In a twenty-four-hour period, he won $3,000 as he won both the Dick Adams tournament in Oshawa and the final O’Connor Open. In the Oshawa event, Neil rolled 2727 to win $1,000 and, then, on the following day, he bowled 2721 to win $2,000, the first prize in that final year of the legendary O’Connor Open.
Neil joined the Master Bowlers Association in 1974, but his tournament success began with victories in the 1984 Walkers Special Old, an event where he defeated his brother-in-law, Hall of Famer, Don Gorman, in the final match. In 1987, Neil had two wins, the Mixed Triples and the Spring Classic. In the triples, Neil used a final three games of 1137 (including back-to-back 400’s) to produce a ten-game score of 2718. His partners were Joyce James of Scarborough and Ken Elmer of Ottawa. In the double knockout match play, the trio were undefeated, winning all five matches and the $2,400 first prize. In the Spring Classic, Neil shared the podium with Barb Chapman, the ladies winner and an honoree tonight. At the national level, Neil won a team gold medal as they bowled in Hamilton in 1986. Overall, in the MBAO, Neil average 249 for 1081 games and on the Top 90 list, published in 2000, Neil placed 69th.
Neil passed away on August 4, 2015 following a series of strokes and other physical challenges. In his family, he left his brother, Fred, and sisters, Patsy and Trudy. A third sister, Marlene, died at a younger age.
That said, the light of his life was his wife Diane and daughters, Carrie and Jennifer. Both girls are excellent bowlers and Neil cherished his time to watch them on the lanes. For grandchildren, Carrie has two, Joshua and Marissa, and Jennifer has a son, Cole. All three grandchildren began their bowling career in the YBC and continue to bowl today.
It should be noted that Neil was an organ donor and, following his passing, his eye donation led to his corneas providing sight to two blind individuals. This achievement was formally recognized by the Eye Bank of Canada.
Be assured, in a 30-year career, Neil left his mark in the records of our sport.