To Jane and all the family. Neil was the consummate professional in all his dealings with our funeral home. We always enjoyed his visits and his wise advice about any matters to do with funerals or embalming. We wish you our deepest sympathies..

Neale, Neal, Kneel, Neil… I still remember those words in my very first fax—not email!—to you in 1994. I was one of the last sponsored students attending CIT for the embalming course, and I was ordering my very first book. From that moment, ours became a relationship built on humour, kindness and mutual respect. We shared knowledge, argued over policies, and always wanted what was best for the funeral profession. You gave so selflessly. Your knowledge was powerful because you never kept it to yourself—you shared it freely. What a fabulous man you have been. Rest peacefully, Neil. May this next journey be everything we hope it will be. My gentlest condolences to you, Jane, and to Liz, Mark, Lyn and your families. The funeral profession has lost a respected colleague and a trusted friend to so many—but a true legend remains.

First of all we are shocked and saddened at this sudden news. Neil would ring me up as I would do him every now and again to chew the fat as we say in Canada. Although we never visited each others homes so far away from each other, that infamous road is paved with good intentions. Susan and I had spoken about taking a cruise down their way having never been across to New Zealand. Our infamous get togethers were always either in Hawaii or mainland USA at a convention or Seminar. We were pals. Definitely tons in common and always solved the world’s issues. Our dearest Jane, we are so sorry for this terrible loss. We knew of your daughters and families and your love for them. We shared so much back and forth. We feel a void but will certainly remember Jane in some upcoming visit where we will just have to share memories of our mutual fondness of each other and families. Adam knew Neil and I can speak for him in our expressions of grief and condolences. Hang in there Jane and kiddies. Neil shouldn’t have died like this but I guess in our business we know nobody knows the time. We can simply share our grief with you. Deepest sympathy from the Rogalsky family in Oakville Ontario Canada.

To sum up Neil. He was friendly, hard working, loyal and very well respected by all and will be sadley missed by the Funeral Industry. My scincere codolences to Jane and family Geoff and Gay Shapland

There are some people whose influence reaches far beyond what they may ever fully realise. Neil was one of those people. Today, we say thank you. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, and your unwavering care for others. Thank you for the countless ways you supported and encouraged those around you, and for the generosity with which you shared your knowledge and experience. Through your guidance, wisdom, and willingness to help, you have touched so many lives and helped all of us provide the very best care for families during some of their most difficult times. Neil, you will be remembered for your infectious laugh, your remarkable knowledge, your gift for storytelling, and your ability to bring people together. You made a lasting impact not only on our profession but also on the many friendships you formed throughout your life. So many of us are better for having known you. To Jane and the family, our hearts are with you. We hope that in the days ahead you find comfort in the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the many lives Neil touched. His was a life well lived, richly meaningful, and deeply loved. Neil's legacy will live on in the people he encouraged, the friendships he nurtured, and the families who ultimately benefited from his kindness and dedication. He will be remembered with great affection, gratitude, and respect. Rest peacefully, Neil. You will not be forgotten. ❤️

To Jane and family we are so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. It’s always the hardest when a loved one passes Neil was such a good and happy person. Thinking of you all be brave your loved one will be watching over you all. Kindest regards Denis and Gerry

So sorry to hear of Neil's passing. Please accept our condolences. He was a great guy. Thinking of you all.

Kathy and I sincerely offer our condolences to Jane and all of their families. Neil was a fantastic helper to all who knew him in the embalming and funeral director circle both global and national. Neil’s character and humour has been enjoyed over many years. His contribution to the funeral community is, in my opinion, unsurpast. We were fortunate enough to share many social times with Neil and Jane. May you rest in peace.

Our profession has lost a deeply valued colleague, friend and mentor to many.

An incredibly friendly and approachable man with vast funeral industry knowledge and experience. His contribution to the NZEA and funeral indusrty will fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Neil's terminal illness was shockingly fast. Neil's funeral service career commenced on 14 January 1974 (the day after his 20th birthday) when he joined the team at E Morris Jnr in Wellington. During his three years at EMJ, Neil attended and graduated from the NZ School of Embalming, and was admitted to membership of NZEA in 1976. Later in 1976, Neil was offered a position with J Ninness & Co Ltd in Porirua. In 1979 he left the funeral profession, for 18 months as a representative of Salmond Surgical, but returned to Ninness Funeral Home in 1981. He completed and graduated with his funeral directing qualification from CIT while employed at Ninness. In 1987, Neil joined the team at Regal Manufacturers, where he remained until his retirement in March 2019. It was through his involvement with NZEA and Regal Manufacturers that Neil became so well-known throughout New Zealand. Past President and Life Member of the NZ Embalmers Association. Life Representative of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand. Widely respected, and always remembered, may he now rest in peace.