Neil Colin Smith

September 8, 1943 – April 10, 2025

Neil was a gentle and giving soul, always willing to help those around him and share anything he could. But he was also a stubborn man, in the best way—a man who earnestly wanted to get the most out of life.

He spent his life on the farm, and it was truly his passion. Visitors could always count on a farming magazine on the table or a video playing on the screen, with every conversation naturally drifting to the weather or how the animals were doing.

Neil battled rheumatoid arthritis from the age of 20, but he never let it stop him. Even when mobility became difficult, he was still out putting chains on tractor tires and clearing snow before anyone else could offer a hand. Watching over the cattle brought him joy, and he'd spend hours in his station wagon, binoculars in hand, tracking new calves and guiding others to their location—his dedication was remarkable.

In the evenings, he found comfort curled up with his cats, whose wellbeing often took priority over his own. Neil was a man who loved to talk, occasionally listened, and always had a bit of sass to share—right up until the very end, over something as simple as a cup of water.

Neil will be laid to rest at:

Bowmanville Cemetery
1330 Haines Street
Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K5

He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him, and fondly remembered for his warmth, wit, and unwavering dedication to the life he loved.