As Canadian snowbirds for the past decade, my wife and I spent three months each year in Pebble Creek, with much of the time spent with Gretchen and Neill, sharing their active life style, including tennis and pickleball, Great Decisions discussions, Xmas concerts, trips to the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forrest, dinner parties, and visits to Scottsdale for dinner and the Capitol Steps theatrical performance.
I had the good fortune for several years, to collaborate with Neill in preparing for the Great Decisions discussions. Neill spent several weeks preparing for the upcoming sessions. A visit to his home during this period revealed, what Gretchen referred to as the "War Room", which was in great disarray with dozens of papers, magazines, books and maps occupying every inch of space on the floor and walls. For me, Neill's devotion to Great Decisions brought together his love of teaching, his profound curiosity and his deep knowledge of geography and political affairs.
Neill had a great passion for his many pastimes , including his global travels to Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. There were few countries he had not visited. He was always venturesome and often related exciting tales of his many encounters with the wildest creatures of nature, including Komo Dragons in Indonesia, sharks in the Caribbean and crocodiles and anacondas in the Llanos of Venezuela. He became a highly proficient diver, photographer and fisherman.
Neill took great pride in his family, his wife Gretchen, his daughter Michelle and two sons, Chris and Greg. He frequently praised Gretchen for her inexhaustible energy and he ability to keep up with him in his many pursuits.
As Neill and I both spent some years in Venezuela of the 1950s, we frequently reminisced about our experiences. Neill had a passion for Venezuela and its culture, and learned Spanish and much about Venezuelan folklore. While living in Caracas he had the good fortune of numerous expeditions to the remote mountain areas, and in engaging in the very vibrant ocean and jungle life of Venezuela.
I was privileged to know Neill over the past decade and to share his impressive knowledge of life, be it business, geology, geography, society or politics. He had an exceptional memory for facts of every conceivable kind. What did you have for lunch, and in what country on June 21, 1957? Neill gave a detailed response, and even observed it was raining that day.
We will all mist you Neill as a dear friend, teacher, raconteur, a bon vivant and an exceptionally talented person.