Obituary for Robert James "Jim" Neilson
Robert James “Jim” Neilson of Burlington, Ontario passed peacefully at the Joseph Brant Hospital on Thursday, May 26th in his 85th year. Jim was born on December 26, 1936 in Cornwall, Ontario to Korleen and James Edward Neilson, growing up in Montreal and St. Catharines, Ontario. He was a loving husband, brother, father, beloved Poppa and a gentleman known for his kindness, calm, easy ways and enthusiasm to practice an imaginary golf swing.
Jim is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart Nancy (Wynn), sisters Margot (John Blevins) and Martha Lyn, and two sons James (Stephanie) and Robert (Robin). His five grandchildren, Ella, Wyatt, Isobel, Chelsea and Sadie brought him great joy in their many doings and activities. He was delighted to have been able to spend time with all of them under the same roof for the first time in years with a recent family visit.
A dedicated father who volunteered several times to coach his boys in baseball and hockey, he shared his love of athleticism and sport and the values of practice, mastery, hard work and excellence they instill. An avid and devoted fan of the Cleveland Browns, Jim was known for his exuberant support of his favourite team.
Educated at Ridley College, St. Catharines Collegiate and Ryerson Institute of Technology, Jim had a 30 year career at Dofasco as a Foundry Project Coordinator in the Engineering Department. He retired young at 55 to pursue his lifelong passion for golf as a member at Dundas Valley, Millcroft and Hidden Lake, sinking his third hole in one in his 82nd year. He was proud to be a founding member of Burlington Old Timers Hockey playing the game well into his sixties.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 7 at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 485 Brant Street (one block north of City Hall) BURLINGTON (905-632-3333) between 4-7pm with some brief remarks from the family at 6:45pm.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation can be made in lieu of flowers.
Jim is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart Nancy (Wynn), sisters Margot (John Blevins) and Martha Lyn, and two sons James (Stephanie) and Robert (Robin). His five grandchildren, Ella, Wyatt, Isobel, Chelsea and Sadie brought him great joy in their many doings and activities. He was delighted to have been able to spend time with all of them under the same roof for the first time in years with a recent family visit.
A dedicated father who volunteered several times to coach his boys in baseball and hockey, he shared his love of athleticism and sport and the values of practice, mastery, hard work and excellence they instill. An avid and devoted fan of the Cleveland Browns, Jim was known for his exuberant support of his favourite team.
Educated at Ridley College, St. Catharines Collegiate and Ryerson Institute of Technology, Jim had a 30 year career at Dofasco as a Foundry Project Coordinator in the Engineering Department. He retired young at 55 to pursue his lifelong passion for golf as a member at Dundas Valley, Millcroft and Hidden Lake, sinking his third hole in one in his 82nd year. He was proud to be a founding member of Burlington Old Timers Hockey playing the game well into his sixties.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 7 at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 485 Brant Street (one block north of City Hall) BURLINGTON (905-632-3333) between 4-7pm with some brief remarks from the family at 6:45pm.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation can be made in lieu of flowers.