McHARG, Neil
1946 – 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Mr. Neil McHarg on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, following a very brief illness.
Neil was born on May 1, 1946, on the family homestead in Listowel, Ontario, to Archie and Beatrice McHarg. Neil was the youngest of two boys. He was a Class 1 driver for most of his adult life, starting out his career in downtown Toronto. In 1979, he moved west to Calgary to continue with his trucking business. Finally, he relocated to Red Deer, where he continued to enjoy his days in the trucking industry until his forced retirement at age 70. He did, however, proudly retain his Class 1 license up until his passing. Throughout the years of living out west, Neil made numerous friends and acquaintances with whom he enjoyed keeping in contact to swap old stories and discuss current issues.
Neil’s interests included traveling, history, vintage vehicles and car shows, and, of course, reminiscing with friends. I think the highlight of his travels was his three-week trip to Ireland in 1968. He loved to tell many colorful stories of his antics on this trip across Ireland, which included his trek to the top of a medieval castle via a very long and narrow staircase. Once at the top, he recalled having to dangle upside down through a hole in order to kiss the Blarney Stone! Legend says that after kissing the Blarney Stone, you will receive the “Gift of the Gab.” I would definitely say that Neil possessed the Gift of the Gab—just not sure when he got it! He had also been blessed beyond measure with the gift of an eidetic memory, which he retained pretty well right up until his passing. We called him the “Walking Wikipedia,” as there wasn’t much within the last century or so that he couldn’t recall off the top of his head, with exact precision of details and dates. It was beyond amazing!
Neil was never married, but in his retirement years, he had many good lady friends who loved to spoil him on an ongoing basis with things such as gifts of food, morning coffee, and snacks. He often joked with us that he wondered where all these lovely ladies were when he was a young man!
Neil maintained his “old school values” throughout life. He was as genuine as they come. He was a very kind and caring gentleman who would give anyone a hand in their time of need.
Neil is survived by numerous good friends and acquaintances whom he made over a lifetime, spanning across the country. Neil was predeceased by his mother and father, Archie and Beatrice; his only sibling, Hartley; and his sister-in-law, Marlene.
As there will be no service, may we suggest that you raise a glass in honor of Neil’s memory and recall your favorite story or time that you shared with him. I am sure we all have a few.
Friends are invited to attend Neil’s interment at the Blackfalds Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
“He will be dearly missed by many.”
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

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6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2025-07-07
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com