William Robert McNeilly, 91, of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away on 12 May 2024. Robert, fondly known as Bob, was born to William and Elsie McNeilly, on 6 April 1933, in New Westminster, BC. After graduating from the University of British Columbia, Bob joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1958 and worked as a Naval Architect/Marine Engineer before transitioning to the Federal Public Service where he retired in 1995.
Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lee, daughters Sandra Coughlin (Paul) and Nicola Friedrich (Gary), grandchildren Rebecca, Sarah, Mariah, Mikaela, and Leah, and great-grandchildren Thomas, Elena, and Lilly.
The family would like to thank Paula, Ashley, Ginny, and the staff of Forest Valley Terrace and George and Michael from Bayshore Home Care for their compassionate care of Bob.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Dementia Society in Bob’s name.
Digital Guestbook
Nancy Richards
Rebekah Hackbusch
My deepest condolences to all the family. A life well-lived, and loved by so many. I have so many memories of Bob at Mount Calvary: a good and faithful servant and such a gentleman. Lee, I recall how much my mom and dad admired and respected you both as well. They will be receiving him with fondness and love.
MaryAnn Foley
Lovely meals, lively conversations, many fond memories.
May Choirs of Angels welcone him.
Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord . . .
Sylvester
This obituary is like Bob would have liked it. Let me add tnat he rose very high up in DND, so high that he was at NATO meetings in Brussels. These he would have left out, had he written his memoirs.
Carol Keekley
Bob was a compassionate man and a good and faithful husband and father. Blessings to Lee and family.
Mohan Ram
Bob and Lee were amonf the nicest and friendlies people I had met in my life. It was great that my wife and son could come with me to Ottawa and meet them. Our condolences to Lee and family. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Mohan Ram
Partha Mohanram
To the McNeilly Family
It was my honour to meet Bob and the entire family in Fall of 2022 when I brought my parents - Vijaya and Mohanram to meet you all. My father was meeting Lee and Bob after almost 60 years. It was a wonderful afternoon. My deepest condolences
Eduardo Martinez
On behalf of the entire team at Forest Valley Terrace, I want to express our deepest condolences for Bob's passing. It was a privilege to have him as part of our community. We stand with you during this difficult time and send our support and love.
With deep respect,
Marilyn Turner
Dear Lee, I am so sorry to hear this. You and all your girls are in my thoughts and prayers.
I was thinking of Bob just this week. I was washing my Henkel knives and remembered him telling me never to put them in the dishwasher or leave them to soak. It would ruin the wooden handles. And here we are, fifty years later, still using them.
Caroline Regan, Liz and Derek Prince
Our sincere condolences to you and the family and thinking of you at this very sad time.
Mum and Dad especially remember the many good times they had with you and Bob in London, including a magnificent dinner/dance at the Painted Hall.
Dear Lee and Family. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Bob was a great guy and a loved friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all, Nancy