Remembering Neal Wells
Friends and family gathered at the Quesnel Legion Hall on Saturday,
February 13 to celebrate the life of long-time Quesnel resident Neal Wells.
Neal was born in Vancouver July 3, 1943.
In 1948 his family moved to a ranch at Australian, south of Kersley. Neal attended several rural elementary schools before completing high school at Quesnel Secondary.
He was involved with the ranch and the 4-H Club, and was the youngest member of the Quesnel Community Band. His colleagues will long remember his rallying trumpet call to urge the Spartan basketball team to victory.
After completing Grade 13 in Quesnel, Neal attended the University of British Columbia, enrolled in the Faculty of Education. He returned to Quesnel in 1966, teaching at Cariboo High for 2 years and a third year in Old Hazelton. After the death of his father, he returned to Quesnel in August of 1969 to manage the family ranch.
Neal began his 40 year career with West Fraser Mills in the fall of 1970, retiring in April of 2010. He also participated in the community as a Rotarian and as Chairman of the Hospital Board.
As Human Resource Manager for West Fraser Mills Neal played an integral role in the shaping of policy and culture as the company grew and expanded. Neal was considered kind, wise,
reliable, fair, and respectful by those with whom
he dealt and with whom he served.
Neal leaves his wife of 45 years, Marilyn; his son Sean (Patricia) his sister Cheryl and her family;
granddaughter Ashley (Logan), grandson Reece (Kelsea);
and countless friends and colleagues.
He will be greatly missed for
his wisdom, his love of life, his generosity, and his friendship.