Neil's Eulogy by Keziah   

   SPEECH FOR NEIL
Those of us here who knew Neil will know it is impossible to sum up his life in the short time we
have here today. He was known to many of us Nelly. A loving father, a caring son and brother, supportive grandad and an inspirational friend to us all. Neil was an activist who cared about
what was happening in the world, voicing his views and protesting against all that Is wrong and unjust. Even whilst at school he had already found a group of friends who had certain ideas of
how the world should be. “Neil was a free thinker and very much an individual. He had an enormous sense of fairness said one of his school pals. “He believed in love and peace and
- although some of his ideals seemed impossible to attain he was never deterred”.
After leaving school Neil joined the Air force. He found he did not agree with a lot of their ethics and soon left as a conscientious objector. He met my mum when Holly was 4, I was 3 and Jack
was 2. Their meeting at the Tap and Spile was the start of a relationship of over 17 years during which they never stopped loving each other. He was so very proud of his children Holly and Jack Holly an excellent mother to his grandson Liam. And Jack joining the army, doing so well
and enjoying army life. He was always talking about you all.
I have tons of happy memories throughout my childhood. Growing up with Neil around was good fun. As you can imagine there was never a dull moment. He filled our house with pure comedy
and loads of laughter. Our family holiday to Cornwall for the eclipse in 1998 is one of my all time favourites. We stayed in the Tipi Neil in his famous shorts and sandals. A great experience and
great times. We will always remember Neil for his kindness. His endless energy - which of course earned him lots of nick names. His total love of nature - planting trees and flowers and
daffodils in the shape of the initials diy. ‘One of his many ideals of do it yourself. Self appointed guardian of his much beloved Iron Waters, contacting local newspapers to highlight the problems local nature reserves faced. Raising issues of the neglect and destruction of green belt areas.
Neil was a peace loving person, against violence. A firm believer in Karma and the buddhist way of life. He loved sleeping and sometimes living in the Tipi or in a tent, making a tire and cooking one of his really good curries. We all wonder what we will do without Neil but I know in my heart we should do what he would want us to do and that’s to carry on! Neil was a great reader,
always trying to gain knowledge which he loved to pass on . From putting up the Tipi to building
a Mongolian Yurt and the many sweat lodges, Neil was always enterprising, often orgánising
gatherings so that local bands could play. He loved music, a good boogie and going to festivals with his pals. So yes! Neil would want us to continue to look after who and what is around us,
being inventive and creative. Going back to the land, picking up the rubbish people so often
leave in our countryside.
We will miss you Neil but your full and colourful life will always brighten the lives of all who knew
and loved you. And although there are many tears and much sadness at Neil’s passing from this world to the next. the memories of his smiles and the echoes of our laughter and dancing and all
the good times we shared will stay with us until we all meet again.
Neil, Neil, orange peel. When will we see you again!
. . ..Weloveyou.. .c
Neil