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It is with profound sadness and much love we announce the passing of Neil Walter Manchakowsky of St. Albert, at the age of 44 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shawna of 17 years; daughters Jessica and Rebecca; Baba Lillian; parents Larry and Dorothy; brother Greg (Michelle); nephew Hunter and niece Madison; brother Eric (Anna); mother-in-law and father-in-law Cathy and Laurie Milsted; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jenn and Josh Seinen, and nephews Jordan, Jacob and Jason; and of course, aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers and friends.
Neil was a St. Albert boy, born and raised. He went to Bertha Kennedy Catholic Elementary School, Vincent J. Maloney Catholic Junior High School and St. Albert Catholic High School. He later completed a diploma in Business Management at MacEwan University. He ended up working for, and then co-owning, a wine and beer making shop in Edmonton: Creative Connoisseur. Two years ago, he took a big leap and changed careers. He was working at All-Type Electric as a second-year electrician apprentice. He loved it there and he was so disappointed when he realized he wouldn’t be going back. Thank you All-Type Electric family for welcoming him so warmly and giving Neil a chance to prove himself.
Neil had AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Despite four rounds of chemotherapy, finally finding a fourth donor, (after donors 1-3 failed) and getting a stem cell transplant in Calgary, the cancer came back so aggressively, it was impossible to fight. He was such a good husband and dad who battled hard through all of the chemotherapy, the sickness, the hospital stays and recovery stages the best he possibly could.
Neil was quick with a quip and was kind to everyone. He was someone who loved video games, sports and his family fiercely. (Hopefully not in that order. Ha!) If you wanted to talk sports about any team, past or present, he could chat all day long. He was the kind of guy you could count on to always show up for you again and again. Hard working and easygoing, he was happy to listen, then smile, and throw something funny into the conversation. Life was never dull with Neil around. He was his wife’s biggest supporter, and his kids’ biggest fan. The hole left is cavernous not only for them, but for all of those who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Jessica and Rebecca’s future post-secondary education fund. Please email neilslegacy@outlook.com for information on how to contribute.
Special thanks to the U of A Hematology unit nurses and Drs. Van Slyke and Bolster, the nurses and doctors at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre who made us feel welcome, and to Neil’s most favourite doctor of all – Dr. M. Oliver. Thank you for your compassion and caring so much about helping Neil. We never doubted you did everything you could. Like you most rightly said, when there was nothing left to do or say — “Sometimes God just takes the best.” Thank you everyone for your compassion.
To view the service, please click here.
Allan & Terri Kirkland says
May the constant love of friends and family soften your sadness
May cherished memories bring moments of comfort
May lasting peace surround your grieving hearts
Joan Grieco says
I am very saddened by the passing of Neil. He was a really great nephew..always had a big smile. I send deepest condolences to you, Shawna, and your daughters. And to Neil’s parents Larry and Dorothy. Also Neil’s brothers and their families and all his friends. My most favourite memory of Neil is when he and his cousin Scott were baptized together, ( both born in 1976. Love to all family and friends.
Aunty Joan ♥️
Margaret & Jim Thornicroft says
Sharing your sadness. Gone from our sight, but never our memories. Gone from our touch, but never our hearts.
May Gods peace replace your heartache with warm and loving memories.
Blessings 🙏🏻
Love Auntie Margaret & Uncle Jim 💕xoxoxo
Joan Grieco says
I was very saddened by the passing of my nephew Neil. He was a kind and smiling man. My condolences to you, Shawna and your daughters. Also to Neil’s parents and his two brothers and their families. My favourite memory of Neil is his and his cousin Scott’s
Baptisms back in 1976 on the same day.
Also condolences to Neil’s many friends.
So very sorry. Love to all. ♥️
Aunty Joan🌹
Joan Grieco says
I was very saddened by the passing of Neil. He always had a big smile and was very kind.
Condolences to you and your daughters Shawna. Also to Neil’s parents and two brothers and their families. Also to all of his friends. My favourite memory of Neil is his and cousin’s Baptisms on the same day back in 1976. Only time will lessen the pain.
Love to all ♥️
Aunty Joan 🌹
John and Jeri Grieco says
That’s a great tribute to Neil and spot on. On his visits here in Calgary for appointments, he was always in a positive mood, upbeat and ready to play cards! This is such an unfair thing for a young man but he seemed to face it so strongly.
Jeri and I are so sorry your family has to go through this.
All Type Electric says
Shawna, Rebecca, Jessica, Mr. & Mrs. Manchakowsky and family.
There aren’t enough words to express to you how truly saddened we are. To say sorry for your loss seems like such an understatement when we think of Neil.
We treasure the happy memories we shared with Neil and all the laughter he brought to us at All Type. (and there was a lot of laughter).
Neil made many friends here, he was one of the most positive, happy and infectious people we had the pleasure to know and work alongside.
Neil will be sincerely missed by his ATE family.
Aunty Karen says
Shawna, Jessica, Rebecca you are in my prayers and thoughts every day. My heart breaks for you.
Neil your smiling eyes, easy going ways, quick humour, barbecues, birthday cakes, video games at Christmas will be sorely missed. Xxxooo.
Aunty Karen
Karen & Brian McLennan says
So sorry to hear of your loss. We enjoyed talking to Neil at the wine store, esp Brian when they talked sports. Our prayers to all your family.
Mrs. Bautista says
Greg, Michelle, Hunter and Madison – I am so very sorry for your loss.
Please know that I am holding your family in my heart as you remember together
Colleen, Rene, Mary, Findlay Tremblay says
I was heartbroken to hear that Neil has passed. My thoughts and prayers are with all your family that are grieving right now. Neil was always smiling, so easy to converse with and I always got a kick out of him wearing shorts in the winter! I wish I could offer you more than just words.
Judy Victoor says
I was so sorry to hear about Neil’s death. I taught him at Bertha Kennedy School and remember him as a pleasant person. What a tragedy to hear his life ended far too soon. My condolences to Dorothy and Larry and all your family.
Janette or Henry Seinen says
Our condolences to Shawna, Jessica, Rebecca, Dorothy, Larry, and all extended family members. Neil will be so missed by all of us and we share your grief. He was a really great guy, a good husband, and a caring father.
May God bless you with His peace and comfort.
With love, Janette and Henry Seinen
Bill and Ann Olson says
We are so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. Neil played hockey on a team I coached in midget. He always gave his best and had a very good attitude, which I am sure, continued throughout his life. Ann and I send our sincere condolences to all the family.
Tim O'Neill says
My condolences to Neil’s immediate and extended family.
We graduated high school together and was happy to reunite with him at recent reunions. Neil was a good guy. He was a “friend to all”. And we all respected him. He had qualities that I hope to see in my own children.
Shawna, Jessica, and Rebecca….. it was obvious that you were always the center of his life.
Regards,
Tim
Tania Snyders says
Shawna, Jessica,Rebecca, Mr & Mrs Manchakowsky and family
Please accept out deepest sympathy on the passing of Neil. Sending love and prayers to everyone. Rest peacefully Neil.
Love Kees,Tania and Evan Snyders and Irma Rajacich
Christine Brown says
Dear Shawana, I am so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. I offer my sincere condolences to you and your girls.
Christine Brown
Lea Smith says
Dorothy, Larry and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you honour Neal and say you goodbyes.
God bless and hold you in the palm of his hand.
Bud and Jennie Whiteman says
Dorothy,Larry and family
There are no words to help the pain to go away. We all feel your loss.
Embrace the love and support of your many friends and family.
We are so happy that we got to know Neil while he was in the wine business..lots of laughs and “advise”on the best wines.
Rest in Peace Neil.
Kim Sainchuk says
I went to school with Neil starting at Bertha Kennedy all the way through to high School. We lived around the corner from each other. I remember his smile the most, always smiling laughing and happy. He was one of the nicest men I have ever met. I am so sorry to his entire family. Rest peaceful Neil.
Elaine and Al Henderson says
Neil will be sadly missed. As my business partner, I always looked to him for support, laughs and some good times. His wearing shorts on the coldest winter date was always his forte. Many of our customers at Creative Connoisseur have expressed their respect and fond memories of Neil. Our thoughts are with you Shawna, Rebecca and Jessica. And to Dorothy and Larry you should be proud of your son Neil, he was a great caring man.
Anna Cassidy says
My heartfelt condolences to Neil’s wife Shawna and daughters, and all his family and friends. I’ve know Neil since elementary school and recently spent time with him at our 25th reunion. Although I hadn’t seen him for a very long time, it didn’t take very long to recognize what a lovely person and great family man he had turned into. I will keep his family in my prayers during this difficult time.
David H Tyler says
Thinking of you and your family today.
Scott Grieco says
My deepest sympathies to all friends and family of Neil. A true fan of hockey (New Jersey) and sports.
Neil was very caring and helpful when it came to anything. He assisted me in making my first “batch” of wine. Without his help I’m sure it would have turned to vinegar.
I also have fond memories of Neil at school, Christmas dinners, and the ODR (outdoor rink). I have one bottle left of the original “batch” and will raise my glass in memory of a great soul.
Cousin – Scott Grieco and family Renee, Dominic and Matteo Grieco
Lethbridge, Alberta
Shauna Warwick says
My sincerest condolences to Neil’s entire family. I went to school with Neil from Bertha Kenney all the way through high school. I will always remember Neil as funny, kind and overall a really good person. I was heartbroken to learn he was sick and now of his untimely passing. Rest in peace Neil…
Wanda & Megan Halisky says
Shawna, Jessica, Rebecca and family,
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time, Neil will be greatly missed. He lit up the room with that infectious smile and incredible sense of humor. We would laugh instantly seeing each other because you just knew something funny was going to be said. An amazing friend whom we are grateful to have known.
He leaves amazing memories that will be cherished forever.
May his beautiful soul rest in peace.
Sending all the love your way.
Wanda & Megan
AKA The Great Wandini (Neil gave me this nickname)
Abby Wallin says
Shawna, Jessica, Rebecca and family, Our deepest condolences. Neil will be missed but not forgotten, always in our hearts.
Casper Gleisner says
My deepest condolences to the entire family. Neil’s light was one that made everyone’s life brighter simply for having had him in it.
Rutherford Library says
Dear Shawna,
To you and your girls and all of your family, We’re so very sorry for your loss. It was a beautiful service.
It was too soon. Though he is gone, the love you shared with Neil remains. Hold onto that love, and know that all of your friends at work are there for you to help you through.
Vandermeer Family says
Shawna, Jessica, Rebecca and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Neil’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathies to you all. Sending much strength to you in the days ahead. xxo
Kacey Lockwood, Launa Lockwood says
Dear Shawna, Jessica, Rebecca and family:
We are so sorry for your loss. We offer our condolences and are thinking of you during this difficult time.
-the Lockwood family
Scott Crawford says
Dear Shawna, Jessica, and Rebecca:
Our sincerest condolences for your profound loss. Neil’s love, life lessons, smile, and caring attitude will remain with you and of all those who had the good fortune to know him forever. Please know that there are countless people sending you love and prayers for continued strength.
Love Scott, Brenda, Malia, and Jonah Crawford.
Marilyn & Bill Burak says
I’m very sorry for your loss..Sending prayers and condolences to your families..
Thane, Tanya, Tallulah, Sloane and Thane Jr. says
We are so saddened to hear of Neil’s passing. He was always so kind, friendly and easy to talk to. Sending our love and prayers to your family.
Jeff Jordan says
I never knew Neil as an adult as I left the Catholic school stream in grade 7. I went to Bertha Kennedy with Neil and remember many birthday parties, sleep overs, and water fights in the front yard of their home off Larose drive. I share his love of hockey and metal and I wish I had kept in touch, he was definitely one of the good ones. My love and strength goes out to all the family.
Frieda & Les Ducharme says
Dorothy, Larry and Family
We wish to pass on our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son-Neil.
May your memories bring comfort during this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Theresa Turner says
Dear Shawna and family, My heart went out to you when I read of your husband’s passing. May the many memories you made together over the years and that you hold in your heart and mind will carry you through the coming days and years. He will always be with you and the girls not far away, watching over you from heaven I am sure. My condolences and prayers are with you and the rest of Neil’s family in the coming days. Hugs to you Shawna.
Christie Roy Irving says
Dear Shawna & family,
In the time that we worked together at the library it was clear that your family was such a bright light. I’m so sorry to learn of your husband’s passing. He was obviously one of the best. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.