It is with immeasurable sadness that we announce the passing of Neil Roy Gillard on September 27, 2026, at the age of 62.

Neil was born at the University of Alberta Hospital on October 8, 1963, to Joanne (Pierce) and Roy Gillard, and was raised in Kinsella, Alberta alongside his sisters, Heather and Leanne, and his younger brother, Scott.

To try to summarize Neil’s life is no easy task. He was truly one of a kind. There are funny people, quirky people, loud people and joyful people, and then there was Neil. He had an unmistakable way of filling a room and making friends wherever he went. He was everyone’s best friend.

Neil had an especially enormous place in his heart for kids. His own, of course, whom he proudly said he had “raised from a pup,” but also seemingly every child who ever crossed his path. Nieces, nephews, grandchildren, friends’ kids and kids he had only just met could reliably expect to be picked on, teased and played with. He never taught you anything… he “learned ya”, and anyone who knew him can probably hear him saying it.

Neil worked hard his entire life, and he genuinely loved doing it. His career took him through the pipeline industry and into countless entrepreneurial ventures. He founded Kinsella Plastics and Gill’s Vacuum Service, among a number of other businesses and ideas he brought to life over the years. Following his cancer diagnosis, Neil continued working, first as a pipeline consultant with Trans Mountain, then selling survey stakes, and finally in sales with Summit Truck Equipment.

Sitting still was never really Neil’s style. He was endlessly resourceful, ambitious and determined. He always hoped to do more, and given more time, there is no telling what else he would have accomplished. He did what he set his mind to. If there was a way, Neil found it.

Neil knew how to enjoy being alive. He loved days on the boat, nights around the fire, a “good bullshit”, cold beer and “good ol’ tunes.” He believed wholeheartedly in working hard, but he was every bit as committed to having a good time, and somehow managed to do both nearly everywhere he went.

For everything he accomplished, Neil was proudest of his family. He leaves behind his partner, Sandra Zesko (Belle); his children, Shelby Watt (Zack), Justin Rupert (Jocelyn) and their children Bentley Rupert and Grayson Behuncik, Thomas Swaffield, Taylor Swaffield (Kristen) and their children Oliver and Emma Swaffield. His sister Heather Gillard and her sons: Kurt Gillard, and Colin Gillard and his children Cydney, Garrison, and Branson; his sister Leanne (Brian) Cikaluk and their family: Kristin (Garett) Rupert and their daughters, Leigh and Davan; and Chentel (Wes) Cunningham and their children, Addison and Vaughan, Craig’s wife, Sam, and their son, Lane.

Neil was predeceased by his parents, Joanne and Roy Gillard; his younger brother, Scott; his nephew, Craig Cikaluk; and his beloved “dog daughters” Gerty and Clowy.

He also leaves behind an extraordinary number of extended family members, friends, coworkers and people who came to consider Neil family somewhere along the way.

Neil’s absence is impossible to measure because his presence was impossible to miss.

A celebration of Neil’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Kinsella Community Hall. Family and friends are invited to come together to remember Neil and celebrate a life that was very well lived.

The family would like to recognize the caring and compassionate support received from Dr. Schiller, Dr. Tarukandirwa, Dr. Yam, Dr. Siva and nursing staff for which we are ever grateful. Neil visited the Central Alberta Cancer Centre to receive treatments, support, and explore new drugs to fight his cancer. Donations to the Central Alberta Cancer Centre found at https://albertacancer.ca/why-we-need-you/albertas-cancer-centres/ would be greatly appreciated to help others we love in fighting this disease.

He worked hard. He loved his people fiercely. He had a hell of a good time. There will never be another Neil.