63 Mimico Avenue | Toronto, Ontario | M8V 1R2 | Phone: (416)-255-0035 | Email: CREMATIONCARECENTRE@GMAIL.COM
Neil McGrenaghan
1943 - 2024
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Bik lit a candle
Monday, September 2, 2024
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Worked as a part-timer from fall of 1987 to the spring of 1996 at the North Campus, teaching courses in psychology. Had lost touch with him for many years. Just found out and shocked at this loss! My deepest condolences to his family and close friends. We shared jokes on the corridors and in the main office in Human Studies / Liberal Arts & Sc. Friendships last forever!
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eva bednar uploaded photo(s)
Friday, June 7, 2024
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Neil! Neil! Neil! You were and are a hoot and a holler! I worked at Humber at Lakeshore and Neil would teach at Lake when his schedule allowed. We did many a round of the campus during on strike and got to know each other and stories, and never knew where the time went. Neil would stop by my office over many a semester when he was at Lake campus. We would play with a beach ball and raise ruckus that was totally unprofessional. In Covid times we bounced the ball over the internet. Oh boy. Those were the days. We had community, we were precovid and we had Lake, and we had Neil, ever with a "twinkle in his eye" as a colleague remembers him. Neil, you are so missed. Here is a toss for you. And to you!
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Phred Howarth posted a condolence
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
I was completely shocked and saddened when I heard the news - so unexpected. ( a day hasn't gone by without these thoughts since)
Neil and I go back at least 50yrs when my brother Seb and I advertized for a room mate to share a rental house with us. We wondered how he would fit in, but we enjoyed every minute of the year or so he was with us.
As time went on we kept in touch at parties and camping trips. Always positive, I'm sure I subconsciously learnt a lot about life from Neil.
My condolences to Janice and the rest of the family.
Phred
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SANDRA MELVILLE posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, June 3, 2024
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We have many fond memories of Neil over the years. A wonderful neighbour and friend. He always had a smile and a story to tell. Although we are sorry that he is gone, he is not forgotten.
Garry, Sandra & Jason Melville
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Chris Irwin posted a condolence
Sunday, June 2, 2024
I was saddened to hear of Neil’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family, as well as to all his friends and close colleagues. As so many of us who worked with Neil have said, his infectious enthusiasm for teaching touched us all. He influenced thousands of students in his 42 years of teaching at Humber, and he was a wonderful mentor and support to his colleagues. I can still remember meeting Neil in my early days at Humber and being very moved by his warm welcome, and absolutely won over by his smile and sense of humour. He never stopped encouraging his colleagues, and he always talked about how much he loved working with his students. All of us who worked with Neil will miss him so much.
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Barbara Carruthers posted a condolence
Friday, May 31, 2024
I had the pleasure of knowing Neil as our paths crossed while teaching at Humber College. I taught nursing and as a psychology teacher he also taught our nursing students. We often sat together for lunch in the faculty lounge. He had a lovely genuine smile and was a very kind and sensitive person. He loved teaching and his students. He was attentive and interested and I remember such lovely conversations about school, his family and his adventures. I’m so very sorry to hear of his passing and I send prayers and kind thoughts to his family. I think we all are blessed to have known him - I know I am.
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Ann Dean posted a condolence
Friday, May 31, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about Neil's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was first hired at Humber way back in the 80's. Neil was a very kind mentor and colleague. Both Humber and Neil's students benefited greatly from his dedication and passion. My deepest sympathies and condolences to his family at this very sad time.
Ann Dean
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Liz Crim posted a condolence
Friday, May 31, 2024
So sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Neil at Humber College. He would always come visit us in the Library at Lakeshore Campus.
Sending my condolences to his family.
Liz Crim
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Bruce Walker posted a condolence
Thursday, May 30, 2024
It would be difficult to summarize in words what seems like a lifetime of memories that keep flooding back. Neil approached everything with such passion, enthusiasm and sense of humour.As an educator he was able to pass on many of these qualities to his students. I feel fortunate to have spent so many years with Neil. I will miss our rendezvous at our favourite coffee house, running into him in Thornbury or on the Bruce Trail, discussing some of our life stories we shared during the years we had an office together and afterwards. Although there was a private side to Neil he never missed the opportunity to talk about his family and how proud he was of Anna and Ian and his life with Janice. For me and everyone who know Neil these and so many other memories will keep him in our hearts forever. My deepest sympathies go out to his family during this difficult time.
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Marie Felix lit a candle
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
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Charlene, Thomas and I are saddened by the news of Neil's passing. Neil was always the first to greet anyone and it always was with a smile. He always had a kind word to say. He greeted us whenever we were outdoors, or stopped to chat with him. He radiated positivity and compassion. Our heartfelt sympathy to you, Janice, and to Ian and Anna and their families. Neil will continue to be remembered as an intelligent, jovial, optimistic man that uplifted people wherever he went. We are blessed to have known him.
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Johnny Nawracaj posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Dear Ian, Anna, and Janice, I send you my deepest condolences. Neil's exuberance and inquisitive nature were anchors for me in my youth and I have thought about him and all of you often over the years. He was a wonderful person and I feel fortunate to have known him.
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Jessica Sharpe posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
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Sending my condolences, thoughts, and love to Anna, Ian, and Janice. I have been thinking of them often after the very sad news of Neil’s passing.
When I remember Neil I think of his great sense of humour, friendly warmth, and generosity. When I was a kid with his daughter Anna, he would always offer to drive us to any event or activity we wanted to do, even back then I think I found it impressive that he was willing to drive all over the city like that. (This has played an influence to this day when I think about doing a favour for someone, I think about the kindness of people like Neil).
Anyway in the car we would always chit chat. And Anna and I would probably test his patience by spouting some kind of gossip or ridiculous teenage opinions. To respond to our nonsense, his eyes would grow big, he’d exclaim something with incredulity, and we’d all laugh about it. Humour is a powerful antidote, useful throughout life and in never ending supply if you let it be. Thank you Neil, for showing us how to tap into humour and kindness. We will miss you so much. Xoxo
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Jenny uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
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I was so deeply sad and sorry to hear about Neil’s passing. He really was one of the warmest, kindest and most patient people I have ever met. I remember testing that patience when we were on a Keeble/McGrenaghan road trip when I was about 16 and I told him to take the wrong exit off a motorway and we ended up going miles the in the wrong direction. Now I am a parent and an Auntie myself I know this would test me to breaking point, but he just laughed as if it was nothing. He was just lovely, great to talk to, great at listening. I will miss him very much. My thoughts and love to you Janice, Ian and Anna at the loss of such a special man xx
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Alex Keeble uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
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I will miss my Uncle Neil very much, he was the kindest and loveliest of people. But above all he was the best listener I knew, he was always interested to hear what anyone had to say and would share his thoughts, empathy and enthusiasm. I loved him very much, this is the last photo I have of the two of us when Auntie Janice and Uncle Neil visited the UK a few years back where we stangely were wearing the same outfit and laughed about it! Condolences to Anna, Ian and Auntie Janice. Love you all. X
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Sonia Hoy posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
My deepest condolences to Neil's family. Neil was a colleague and friend at Humber. He touched so many of us with his sense of humour, kindness and zest for life. It was always a joy to hear from him. He would often visit us at the North Campus and made it a point to stop at my desk and say hello. We often found ourselves chatting away the time and sharing a good laugh. I still remember the day that Neil came specifically to my desk to say his goodbyes and thank me before his retirement. I won't soon forget his kind words and gratitude that day. May his light always shine in all of us. Rest easy now, friend.
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Dawn Macaulay lit a candle
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
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I was so saddened to learn of Neil's passing. I've known Neil since coming back to Ontario in 2008. He was one of the core psychology team that I worked with as a new Humber faculty. He was so warm and welcoming and generous of his time. He always kept his focus on the students, and particularly on our diploma students. He knew the transformative power that our programs could have. I was always so impressed with Neil's positive energy. He could find a way to turn things around especially if it came to students. When I was his Associate Dean, I asked him to start teaching social psychology in the police foundations program. Initially, he wasn't sure, or positive, about the idea. After trying the course for a couple of semesters, he came to see me to tell me how much he loved working with these students, and how teaching that content was so important for them in their hopeful future. Neil touched so many students over the years, his care, humour and wisdom had an impact on literally thousands. Few of us can say the same. My deepest sympathies to the family, and to all of us for our loss.
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Noreen lit a candle
Monday, May 27, 2024
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Saddened to hear about Neil. A long time neighbour's and friend. He was a kind, patient and understanding man and will be missed.
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Sergio Rodriguez lit a candle
Monday, May 27, 2024
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My deepest condolences to you and your family. I can only imagine how hard this must be. Sending you and yours lots of love.
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Michelle lit a candle
Monday, May 27, 2024
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Dear Friends, Family and Colleagues of Neil, my thoughts and prayers are with you. A memory I have of Neil is that he was always positive and funny. We were chatting about one of the subjects we taught in common that year at a meeting and he made a witty comment about how one of the chapters totally ruined the energy of the course, for which I agreed, so we voted to take that chapter out for the next time around and it was much better for everyone. He will be missed.
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Anja Karisik lit a candle
Monday, May 27, 2024
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It was devastating to learn of Neil’s passing and I’m still processing the shock. My deepest condolences go to Neil’s family who I have known for nearly three decades. Neil’s daughter Anna was my first friend in Canada when my parents and I immigrated to Toronto in 1996. Luck struck the first day of class at Warren Park Public School where I was placed in Anna’s grade 4 class. Incidentally, her mother Janice happened to be a substitute teacher for one of our classes, and Janice made sure that the new kid who spoke no English was treated kindly. Janice instructed Anna to be mindful of me. From that moment, my friendship with Anna bloomed and my relationship with the McGrenaghan’s begun. Neil and Janice were forever welcoming of me and I was invited to join them on many adventures through the years that passed. From trips to their favourite places on the Bruce Peninsula to journeys in my adolescence to their beloved Thornbury, I give gratitude to Neil and Janice for being a second set of parents to me. They both put up with our teenage shenanigans, and Neil in particular had much patience as our official driver to teenage hangout places like the cinema or Sherway Gardens mall where Anna and I made some lasting memories. Many sleepovers were had in the McGrenaghan household including one that involved a tent pitched in their backyard. Neil may never have known that his car was stealthily taken for a joyride one evening while he and Janice were away from home. But I think he would have found it all so amusing. Neil had such a positive outlook and a go-getter attitude that got him far in life. I never saw him upset or discouraged, aiming instead to look at the bright side of every dilemma. His non-judgemental nature, attentiveness, and amicable spirit ensured he left a lasting impression on every heart he touched. Neil’s humour was first rate and with his laughter he could spark a fire. I cherish the many years we all shared together and I give credit to both Neil and Janice for ensuring I didn’t stray growing up. I will always remember Neil’s emotional generosity and his compassion. Love you, Neil, and your beautiful soul.
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Gemma Bartlett uploaded photo(s)
Monday, May 27, 2024
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I could endlessly search through the photos I have of my beloved Uncle Neil, all of them bringing joy and such fond memories. He also became a very loved Great Uncle Neil to his great nieces Ella and Lucy who I am so thankful spent time with him, knew him and loved him. He proudly shared his home city of Toronto with them and Thornbury. I have so many wonderful memories, from being his little tiny chip throwing niece myself to having the privilege of sharing his kindness, thoughtfulness and gentleness with my own daughters and husband. He was interested in us all and always interesting to be around. I can’t stop thinking of Auntie Janice, Ian and Anna. How lucky we all were to have Neil in our lives. I love you Uncle Neil xxx
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John Elias posted a condolence
Monday, May 27, 2024
I was saddened and shocked to learn that Neil had passed away. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Neil in different capacities: as a fellow professor, coordinator and associate dean. I will always have fond memories of Neil, and of the wonderful conversations that we had together over the years.
Neil was a wonderful, passionate and caring teacher who loved his students and loved teaching. His positive attitude, enthusiasm, energy and wonderful smile made us all feel better, and to be better people.
Neil loved his job so much that on a number of occasions he told me that he never wanted to retire. It is tragic that Neil’s life was cut short and that he never got the opportunity to fully enjoy his retirement.
My sincere condolences to Neil’s family.
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Jay Haddad lit a candle
Monday, May 27, 2024
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To Janice, Ian. and Anna!
Neil was a wonderful colleague, friend, and neighbour. We taught psychology together at Humber College for 30 years, sharing pedagogy all the time!
We travelled with our families to Sandbanks and shared not only the same neighbourhood, but the same street, Althea!
Several times we pass and say hello by the Humber River and Neil always had a positivity and kindness about him.
He was a gentleman and a scholar and we (Vicki, Zak, Noah and I) send our condolences and prayers.
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Jennifer Marotta lit a candle
Monday, May 27, 2024
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My deepest condolences. My fondest memories of Neil are all related to his spark and wit at Department of Liberal Studies socials. I will always remember him as an enthusiastic dance partner while we were given salsa lessons or laughing at one of his dry observations. His warm welcoming smile was dearly appreciated. May we all take comfort in the memories of happier times.
With Sympathy, Jennifer Marotta
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Geoff Keeble posted a condolence
Monday, May 27, 2024
I shall miss you greatly Neil. You were a great conversationalist who had interesting views on so many subjects. So glad we managed to spend time with you last summer.
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Nathan Radke lit a candle
Sunday, May 26, 2024
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Tim Berry lit a candle
Sunday, May 26, 2024
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I am deeply saddened to learn of Neil's passing. I got to know and become friends with Neil seven years ago while walking five weeks on the picket lines during the last strike.
Neil enjoyed laughter a great deal and we spent a lot of time doing that as we shared stories from our past. Usually they centered around the absurdities of life. We were to get together for a cup of tea this spring but now I think I'll have a scotch to commerate my good comrade.
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Hamid Yazdi lit a candle
Sunday, May 26, 2024
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I had the honour to work with Neil at Humber. Our friendship was, sadly, limited to greetings in the hallways as we each headed to class, or to chats during the break at the Lakeshore offices, or to sharing a table at the faculty retreats in May. Even so, we had a special bond. Neil’s beautiful smile, relentless positivity, whimsical sense of humour, and his love of teaching was absolutely contagious. I learned so much from him even in those brief encounters. I can only imagine what a great loss this must be to his family. It is for me as I had the honour to take over his desk some years ago when he permanently moved to the Lakeshore campus. My thoughts and prayers are with Neil’s family.
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Ann Keeble posted a condolence
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Neil, my brother in law, kind, thoughtful, with a sense of fun. I have so many fond recollections of our family holidays together over the years, and will now especially cherish my memories of you on our visit last year. I feel sad that I will no longer see that cheeky smile. You were always protective and proud of your lovely family, and your love for them will continue to shine through Janice, Anna, Marcelo, Ian, Sam and little Isla.
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Angella posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, May 25, 2024
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Dear Janice, Ian and Anna:
It hurts my heart to write this but I must honor my friend.
Neil was an an amazing mentor and a true friend to me. Over the years that we worked together, I always looked forward to him briskly walking into the office to see if I had time for a coffee break.
We would share stories about our children and he would always offer a few words of wisdom.
Neil loved teaching! He used to say "I'm never going to retire, I love what I do!" In jest, would offer to get him a spot in the Humber Art Gallery if he passed away in the classroom. He wasn't quite sure he wanted that.
He told me how he hated the office job at the insurance company before pursuing higher education. Out of boredom he photocopied this face and got into big trouble. It made me laugh every time he told that story because he was so animated.
He always bragged about his family. His darling Janice, a devoted wife, mother and grandma. He was proud of Ian for all the brave entrepreneur and devoted husband and father he had become. He was proud of Anna who was following in his footsteps as a college professor. And baby Isla was the joy of his heart. We were going to meet up last summer to share grandbaby pics and stories but the roofing project got in the way.
We always had a parting joke about him swinging in a hammock while sipping grapefruit juice from a coconut. Neil, enjoy your forever hammock my friend. Thanks for the advice, the laughter, the friendship....thanks for all the memories!
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Masood Zangeneh lit a candle
Friday, May 24, 2024
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I am deeply saddened by the loss of our dear colleague, Neil. His kindness, compassion, and dedication touched the lives of everyone he met, especially his students. His memory will always be cherished. My thoughts and prayers are with Neil’s family during this difficult time.
Masood Zangeneh
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The family of Neil McGrenaghan uploaded a photo
Saturday, May 18, 2024
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