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June 25, 1998 - November 6, 2021
Neil packed as much life as possible into his too short 23 years on this earth. Born in Nanaimo BC on June 25 1998, Neil was welcomed into this world with great enthusiasm, being the only son of Alita and Wade Denesyk and first Grandchild for Margaree Porteous (Dale Elliott) as well as Blaine and Lola Denesyk. Neil did everything early right from the start; his first tooth at 2 months and his first steps at 8, which was met with such applause from his Mother, Grandma and Auntie Freya Sloane that he fell right over and started to cry. Thankfully, Neil was not startled for long and was up running around in no time.
It was when Neil's Step-dad, Christopher Rahm, entered his life, that Neil's love for music sprang forth. It was not uncommon to hear 3-year- old Neil playing drums or see him dancing to his favorite tune. Neil's musical aspirations grew to include guitar, and he spent a portion of his summer holidays in one band camp or another. Some of Neil's favorite memories were from family trips to New York, New Jersey, Washington and California State. Neil got to meet his idols and other famous musicians throughout his adolescent years and even got to play the drums on stage with them, in front of crowds of thousands of people.
Neil also enjoyed the outdoors; either playing army with his cousin Joel Wensel, (close-as-cousins) Rio Valerio and Kalvin Hughes; building forts, riding dirt bikes, swimming at the river or trying to get the forever broken Go-Kart running, there was no end to the shenanigans.
He also enjoyed his summer vacations spent at Camp Qwanoes, which prompted Neil to take Leadership courses to learn to help younger children and volunteer with various local day camps and events.
Neil was always ready for adventure like in Cuba where he played a Ukulele with a Mariachi band and swam with dolphins. There were periods when Neil was doing very well and all he wanted was to help others. He mentored children at the Boys and Girls Club in Langley BC, going so far as to start up a youth volleyball game for them. Neil was working towards being a lifeguard and received the Bronze Cross, his goal of helping others never far out of sight. Neil did all of these things and more, all the while battling addiction.
Even in the worst of his addiction, Neil always reached out to those he loved and would do anything he could to help someone else. Neil thrived during his periods of recovery. He was a member of the British Columbia Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1907 and worked as a scaffolder in the North Shore of Vancouver BC.
Neil's life was cut short on November 6 2021 at his home in Burnaby BC due to unknown causes. He is predeceased by his Grandparents Dale Elliott, Lloyd Hammel III and Michael Rahm, whom he loved dearly. Neil was never married and had no children. Neil was always surrounded by love and support from his family and many dear friends. There are no words to express how much he will be missed.
There will be a service held on November 20 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Church of the Nazarene located at 2150 Departure Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC in the Sanctuary, with a reception to follow. The service is open to all, please wear a mask and bring your Covid Vaccine Card to ensure everyone's safety.
At this time Neil's family is requesting donations be directed to The Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter (Men's Winter Shelter)
http://ufon.ca/weather-shelter/
595 Townsite Road, Nanaimo BC V9S 1K9 250-754-3720

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Saturday, November 20, 2021
2:00 PM
Church of the Nazarene located at 2150 Departure Bay Rd, Nanaimo, BC in the Sanctuary


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