NEIL DAVID SHERGOLD

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• I remember the last conversation I had with Neil prior to his diagnosis. He had stopped by to drop off a part he used for his seeder. We talked a little bit about everything but Neil kept mentioning how he wanted to take his wife and kids to the lake for the weekend. His exact words were "you've got to enjoy life, it can't all be work, work, work." I'm very glad that I got to know Neil, he had an amazing work ethic, I always admired how he kept his farm and managed it so well. I always enjoyed stopping on the side of the road and having a laugh with Neil. Neil never lost sight of what was truly important, his family. To Neil's wife and kids, parents, siblings and extended family; my deepest condolences. Neil was a good person, I am going to miss him. - Posted by: Jamal Abas (friend/neighbor) on: Mar 02, 2012

• Sorry to hear this may GOD bless you in troubled times. My condolence goes out to you'se. - Posted by: Ken Ross. (Friend and co-worker) on: Jan 25, 2012

• I knew Pudge from junior high school and into our early twenties. The friendship I shared with Pudge provided my life some of the greatest joys and good times that I've ever known... times that kept me going... times that kept me alive through those dark and challenging days of my youth. I take great pride and credit as the person who introduced Pudge to travel and adventure when in our teens we traveled to Alberta for a season of work and fun times together. On the trip out, Pudge was so scared of running out of cash before we found work that he wouldn't buy any food on the train - I even had to buy him beer for the first week until we secured jobs and a first pay check! I've often wondered whom he inherited that frugal and tight 'gene' from? However, Pudge was happy to accept those beers and as he did I witnessed a new Pudge being born that summer - a young man coming alive as he awakened to a greater awareness and wonder of the world around him and I saw him embracing great joys from meeting all of the amazing personalities we encountered there and elsewhere on our travels together. I witnessed Pudge come into himself as so many people embraced and appreciated him for the individual and sparkling personality that he was. I saw Pudge become a bold, brazen and brave celebrator of life and I've always felt an honour, pride and privilege for having been one of his chosen people... to be a witness to and a friend through that part of his life with him. As in so many lives, curve-balls are sometimes dealt and our friendship was no different in that regard. The road our friendship traveled on came to a fork and while our lives inevitably went in different directions, his friendship, as I've said, had injected my life with huge shots of laughter, joy, adventure and truly some of the best events of my life that have continued to carry me. Like Pudge, I also had a streak of boldness and courage in my approach to life; unfortunately Pudge also had a real stubborn streak and he could be a real bullheaded son of a *itch sometimes too... but that was just one more thing that Pudge and I had in common. That unfortunate aspect of our personalities was actually some of the glue that held us together because as we tolerated that in each other, we also deeply respected and admired that about each other as well - what a couple of fools! Ironically and sadly, it was also one aspect that resulted in our paths parting. So even though the curtain came down on our friendship, all of the experiences and memories we shared, the fondness and love for my dear friend has never waned and never will. I've always held those times close in my heart because as I've said, those days were some of the best my life has offered and I have Pudge to thank for them. In closing, I'd like to share an odd experience - last Thursday I was at my computer when suddenly, at 5 pm the hairs on my arms raised and I got goosebumps all over. I sat back and looked up. As I did I heard Pudge's voice in my head and I saw his face - he smiled, winked at me twice and said he was on his way. I told him thank you, to say hello to Tom, Randy, Sean, Artie, Sherrie and Millie too... our other fallen comrades from life... and to journey on in peace. He smiled with a nod, flashed me a peace sign and then Pudge was on his way... and I knew in those moments that that day was his day. A deep sorrow entered my heart. A deep sorrow and loss that I know I share with all who knew and loved him... and we will continue to. One of the many profound truths that Pudge's friendship delivered me is that even though a physical presence of someone in our life ceases to be, they remain forever present within and it's there that they live with us forever. This is true. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and to all of the people who knew and loved Pudge. We grieve his passing together because we're the lucky, the blessed and the fortunate ones for having had the honour and privilege of Neil Shergold in our lives. Rest in peace Pudge - I'm glad I knew you. - Rainom MacMaster (Ken). - Posted by: Ken Swark () on: Jan 24, 2012

• I have fond memories of Neil in high school--always good-natured, kind, funny, with a smile that would light up the room. He never had anything to prove and treated everyone the same--with kindness, fairness and a great sense of humor. I moved away after high school and have never returned, but he left an imprint on my soul that I will always remember. I can only imagine the big impact and void that Neil has left on the hearts and lives of those close to him. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of mourning the loss of a son, brother, husband, father and friend who has left too soon. God Bless! - Posted by: Karen Smith (Highschool classmate) on: Jan 23, 2012

• The first time I remember Neil was in grade four. Him and other students from Hodgson elementary school joined our class in Fisher Branch elemetary school. He stood out. Kind and he had a nice laugh. The feel I had from him even at that young age was that he is a good person, very friendly. Years went by and for a time we lost touch. Then my late husband John Skuba and him became friends. They shared a lot in common and enjoyed each other's company and conversations. Next I knew Neil had met this wonderful beautiful woman Carla, they married and had two beautiful children. When my husband John passed away in 2000, I was a hairstylist and knew very little about farming. I decided because I wanted to hold on to my childrens and my life as we knew it that I would attempt farming. But there was one crucial hurtle ,the biggest of many for me. That I would have to get over and that was taking care of the leafcutter bees. So I called Neil and asked him if he would help me learn about the bees. And in what was I would say one of the darkest times of my life, he brought light into it for me. He was one of the best leafcutter bee operators there has been and friend. He took a lot of care and pride in his work. He taught me well - I have successfully stayed in the business for 12 years. Carla, Kiara, Troy, Ron, Jeannine, Perry, Sharon and your family I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you And to Neil a heart felt thank for helping myself and my family....Bonny - Posted by: Bonny Skuba (friend) on: Jan 23, 2012

• My mom and I are so sad to hear about your dad. You and your family are in our prayers. - Posted by: shai-lynne levassaure (freind of kiara fisher branch school) on: Jan 23, 2012

• I haven't seen Neil (Pugdy) in a very long time but I remember his smile and laughter most of all. His smile was contagious. My thoughts and prayers are with Carla and his children. - Posted by: Maureen Malkowich (friend) on: Jan 23, 2012