Neil was a bit of an enigma, he did lots of different things with his time – he was really proud of his life and happy that there were no stones left unturned.
He was born in Christchurch in 1960 and spent his childhood growing up in the suburb of Aranui.
In April of 1968 Neil and his family were on board the ferry Wahine when it sunk crossing from the South Island of New Zealand to the north, unfortunately his younger brother Colin drowned during the wreck.
The Wahine disaster is still one of New Zealand’s worst modern day maritime disasters, but despite that he had an incredible love and respect for the ocean, spending much of his years enjoying the water and ‘having a bath’.
When Neil was 15 he moved out of home and by the age of 19 he had made his way over to Sydney.
The Sydney years
During his time in Sydney he worked as a surgical dresser at the North Shore hospital, he also worked in the early days of the internet, and radio, along with all kinds of other jobs – he was a jack of all and a master of a fair few.
‘Dad left the job at the hospital to play in bands and he spent much of the ’80s and ’90s making music and touring around,’ said his children.
He played in Even As We Speak, Craven Fops and Ashtray Boy, as well as other musical endeavours in later years.
In 1993, on the South Coast of Sydney, Neil met Romy, who he loved and ended up having two beautiful children with: Aleka, who was born in Wollongong in 1997 and Marlow, born in Bathurst in 1999.
The Mullum years
In 2000 Neil, Romy and the kids moved to Mullumbimby where they lived at 41 Stuart Street.
Here Neil was incredibly involved in the community, through the schools his kids went to, jobs in local businesses and his very own And Also Smokeypo. Neil was also well known through his roles at Bluesfest, Splendour, Falls Fest and Mullum Music Fest.
During his last years of work he started working in the film and television industry including shows like Survivor, Seachange, Nine Perfect Strangers and God’s Favourite Idiot.
Neil spent his last seven months in Melbourne with his children, before returning to the Byron Shire where he peacefully passed with loved ones by his side.
At the end
‘In his final days Dad was incredibly happy to return to his community and to be surrounded by his family and beloved friends. During these days Dad got to be present to watch Aleka and her partner Luke get married on the hospital grounds, which was an incredible special and joyous occasion for all,’ said Marlow.
‘We would like to extend our deepest thanks to all the staff that cared for Dad at Tweed Valley Hospital, every-one was so kind and took such care, we appreciate it immensely.’
Aleka and Marlow said, ‘Dad was an incredible man who had such a full and colourful life in the amount of time he had.’
‘He accomplished many things and got to know so many people along the way.
‘It is quite difficult to fit all we wish to say into a couple of hundred words but the world will be a different place without Dad, still very beautiful, just different.’
Life celebration
A celebration of Neil’s life will take place at the Billi Pub today, Friday, August 29, starting around 1pm.
‘We invite everyone who knew and loved the old man to come and say g’day. Dress brightly and bring a flower.’
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