In memoriam -Dr. Neil Farrell

Dr. Neil Farrell, the former Director of Dental Public Health at the Middlesex London Health Unit and long-time professor at Western, passed away on March 12 at age 67.

FARRELL, Dr Neil - The last trip has been booked and the final run skied. Neil passed away on March 12 at age 67. He was thankful for the relatively good health he enjoyed after receiving his terminal cancer diagnosis in April 2009. This allowed him to embark on many farewell tours to visit family and friends, where kind words were spoken and genuine hugs given (even from guys). Despite his lack of belief in any deity, to be told by so many that he was in their prayers was a great inspiration to Neil. He was very sad to leave Diane, his loving wife of 35 years. He was the proud father of Kirk (Sarah) of Vernon, B.C. and Todd (Tannis) of Toronto, and equally proud of his grandchildren Kendra, Hunter, Greydon and Avery. He is survived by his brother Brian (Connie), sister Mary-Lynn (Martin) Steiger, and his in-laws Pete (Colleen) Tessier, Donald (Helene) Tessier and Gisele (Jim) Currier, as well as many nieces and nephews. Neil was born and raised in Toronto, graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto in 1968, practised for 7 years in Ottawa and then received his Diploma in Dental Public Health from U of T in 1976. From 1976 to 2010 he was the Director of Dental Public Services at the Middlesex-London Health Unit and also provided consulting services to the Perth and Lambton Health Units. For over 30 years he gave lectures at the UWO School of Dentistry, as well as Fanshawe College. To acknowledge the wonderful times he had skiing with family and friends, he has asked that his ashes be spread at 3 specific ski areas. There will be a Memorial Celebration of Neil's life within 3 to 4 weeks (details to be announced). In lieu of any donations, Neil has asked that people contribute to their own vacation fund and "book another trip" anywhere. Enjoy - and don't forget to floss!