NEIL A. POW

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NEIL A. POW An energetic, responsible, practical, authoritative leader with the ability to both sense and support greatness in others and holding the office of Grand Chaplin of Manitoba, Order of the Eastern Star fulfilled his duties here on earth and left home to soul travel in the early morning of March 11, 2006. Neil was the family rock offering quiet guidance to others. He led by example and expressed his opinions in both support and opportunity in an insightful manner. He was great at sharing quality time on a one-to-one basis, making everyone feel special and important to him. This usually took place outdoors enjoying nature, in his garage or at Miller's campground with family members and friends. Neil was always in demand for his elbow macaroni dishes, meat loaves, barbecues, pancakes and sausages which he produced with ritualistic finesse. Neil was born in Emerson on the family farm and was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Katherine Pow, his sister, Mary and his brother Bob. He was proud of his Manitoba background and upbringing with a genuine sense of family duty and tradition. His Scottish heritage provided him with numerous visits to Scotland where he enjoyed exploring and soaking up the Scottish atmosphere. Among his personal accomplishments were his years spent on the restoration and running of the historic Prairie Dog Central steam train and his dedicated and long career as a successful locomotive engineer on the Canadian National Railway. These accomplishments were backed up by an indepth knowledge of history and attention to detail. His sense of pride in his life were retold with stories that had a moral undertone. Although a quiet private man, Neil was an active member and respected ritualist in all of the Masonic Orders and the Eastern Star which included: Past Master Starbuck Masonic Lodge #160 and Ionic Lodge #25; Past First Principal of the Red River Valley Chapter #21 and Prince of Wales Chapter #11 Royal Arch Masons and Past Grand First Principal Grand Chapter of Manitoba 1993; Past Thrice Illustrious Master Cyprus Council #2 Cryptic Rite Masons and Most Illustrious Grand Master Cryptic Rite of Western Canada in 1999; Past Preceptor of Bethany Preceptory #68 and member of King Edward Preceptory #24 and Past Provincial Prior; member of Selkirk Conclave #6 Red Cross of Constantine and Past Grand Intendant General; Past President of the Order of the High Priesthood; Past Prior of the Knights of York Cross of Honour; Manitoba Crocus York Rite College #89; Keystone Council #172 Allied Masonic Degrees; Member of the Khartum Shrine. He had the honour of being invited to serve within the realms of the Royal Order of Scotland. Neil was an active member in Fort Garry Chapter #17 Order of Eastern Star and served as Grand Chaplin for the Grand Chapter of Manitoba for 2005/2006. Neil's integrity, depth of feeling and compassion allowed him to be present to the moment and enjoy the small things that came his way. This was the foundation on which he built his life and instilled this in others. His unique sense of humour, and practical jokes will be forever missed by Caroleigh, Debbie, Phyllis, Jack, Derek, Regan, Callum, Tyson, Veronica, Kelsey, Alison, Scott, Angus, Dorothy, Ruth, Harvey, Norma, Jack, Loreen, Irene, Dee, Joyce and extended family members and friends. His principles were clearly that the soul is dyed with the color of your thoughts so think only of those things that are in line with your principles that can bear the light of day. . According to Neil's wishes no service will be held and cremation will take place. A private family celebration of life and interment will follow at a later date. Condolences may be sent to: condolences@nbardal.mb.ca NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2006