Neal Mihalicz
December 14, 1956 – October 31, 2024
Neal Mihalicz passed into eternity peacefully at the age of 67 on October 31, 2024 surrounded by his family.
Dad’s story really started on the night of his 20th birthday.
You see, he had very recently moved to Saskatoon to start his career with the Bank of Nova Scotia, and being new to the city he didn’t yet know many people. It was a dark and cold Tuesday night as mid-December tends to be. Not wanting to spend his birthday evening alone he picked up his roommates black book and opened it to a random page and picked a random name. Spoiler alert, but that name happened to be Glenda Willems. He proceeded to picked up the phone, dialed the number and explained to the young lady that answered (Glenda) that there was a huge party and she should come.
I believe her first words were, “What!, Are you crazy!” given the cold weather. He must have assured her that he indeed was not crazy because that young lady hung up the phone, hopped into her 1964 Ford Fairlaneand drove to the ‘party’ (keep in mind it was 1976, things were different back then!).
As she walked in, it didn’t take too long to realize there was actually no huge party. In fact no one else was even there! Did she walk out and leave? No, she stayed. In fact, 11 days later Dad broke up with his girlfriend (let’s just say she wasn’t expecting this, but we won’t get into that here) and Mom moved in right after New Years. On a beautiful fall day in October 1977 he married the love of his life, Glenda Willems.
Backing up to the beginning, Neal was born December 1956 to Frank and Sylvia Mihalicz. He spent his formative years growing up in Raymore (home of the Rockets, IYKYK). His unbreakable work ethic presented early and by the age of 15 Dad was working a 60-hour work week. Given his extreme academic success he was recruited into Royal Roads Military Academy after graduating high school. He received an honorable medical discharge in 1976 and began his career with the Bank of Nova Scotia which is what had brought him to Saskatoon when he met Glenda.
Life changed in May 1978 with the arrival of his daughter, Krista. This was a moment that changed him, where he ‘grew-up’ and embraced fatherhood and family. We became a family of 4 in June 1980 with the birth of his son Terry.
Dad’s career with Scotiabank moved our family many times covering Tisdale, Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon. He enjoyed a successful career with the bank spanning 38 years where he developed many deep connections with his colleagues and customers.
He always had a passion to give back to his community. He proudly served as Chairman of the Board on the Saskatoon Foodbank and Learning Center for 14 years as well as many other roles on his Church’s Board.
He retired in 2014 and became full-time Grandpa to Lauren, Katie, Lucas, Henry and George. He and Glenda spent a lot of time at their cabin at Brightsand Lake with their grandchildren truly living their best lives and creating permanent memories.
In 2019 Neal returned to his small town roots as he and Glenda moved from Saskatoon to Hepburn, Glenda’s home town. He loved and embraced the community and after being here only a year joined the town Council to be able to make a difference. In just the 5 years he lived here he connected with so many members of the community and truly did make a difference! In October 2024 he was truly honored to become the Mayor Elect of Hepburn.
His main priority was always on taking care of his family. Whether that meant doing someone’s taxes, providing advice on just about anything, or driving kids to school when it was cold outside, it didn’t matter.
For reasons that we don’t yet understand, after a brief illness Neal was called by his Heavenly Father on October 31, 2024. He passed peacefully holding Glenda and Lauren’s hands while surrounded by the people whose lives he’d had the greatest impact on.
He is survived by Glenda, his beloved wife of 47 years and 2 days; his children Krista (Jason) and Terry (Shela); grandchildren Lauren (Kyle), Katie, Lucas, Henry, and George. His mother Sylvia; brother Glen (Crystal) and nephews Mathieu (Kelsey) and Zach (Delsea). He was predeceased by his father Frank; father-in-law and mother-in-law Lawrence and Helen Willems; and sister-in-law Delores.
Dad had so many unfulfilled goals that we will take on in his honor. To start, in lieu of flowers we ask donations to be made to the Hepburn School Breakfast Program, something that Neal cared deeply about (cheques to be made payable to Hepburn School with a note of Breakfast Program at Box 219 Hepburn SK S0K 1Z0).
A Celebration of Neal’s Life will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Hepburn MB Church (221 2nd Avenue South, Hepburn, SK). The viewing will be at 1:00 pm and the Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF FUNERAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE NEAL MIHALICZ
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)
To honor Neal’s love of the Saskatchewan Roughriders his family will dress in Rider green, and we invite you to do the same as we laugh, cry, and love together remembering a man who made such an incredible difference not only to me (his daughter) but to everyone who had the privilege to know him.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022
34 Comments
Glenda and family. No words can make this time easy however know that many people have you all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Thinking of you all!
Glenda, Krista and Jason, Lauren (Kyle), Katie, and Lucas; Terry and Shela, Henry and George; Sylvia; Glen and Crystal, Mathieu (Kelsey), Zak (Delsea) my sincere condolences on Neal’s passing. Neal was always there for his family and believed in his community. I enjoyed my visits and discussions with him and Glenda.
May your memories sustain you during this difficult time.
Hugs Della Winkler
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Neal. I had the pleasure of working with Neal at Scotiabank VPO, Circle and Faithfull Branch and 8th & Clarence Branch. He was one of my favourite Mangers to work for and I will cherish the memories of all those days. May he rest in peace now.
My deepest condolences to Neal’s family. I had the privilege of working with Neal at Avalon and 8th/Clarence ; he was such a wonderful man. With heartfelt sympathy; Kim Kerslake
My sincere sympathies to Neal’s family. I had the privilege of being involved in the debating conference calls between Saskatoon BNS Branch Managers and our MBR weekly results. RIP Neal. You will be sadly missed.
My deepest condolences. Neal was a colleague and a friend. He always cared more about others than himself. Rest in peace buddy.
Sincere condolences to Glenda and family … our thoughts and positive energy are with you during this very difficult time. I had the good fortune to cross paths with Neal multiple times during our respective careers at Scotia. Always appreciated spending time with Neal, gaining his perspective on a variety of issues and having a good laugh on occasion. Rest in Peace!!!!
This news was so shattering to me, as this man played an incredibly important role in my young life and career. He will be remembered by many and forgotten by none. Our family send our sympathies to Glenda and the whole Mihalicz family. He was truly one of a kind.
I was a new manager at Scotiabank and enjoyed attending manager meetings and listening to Neals stories. I’ll forever remember his laugh. He was welcoming and always told me to call if I needed anything. Sympathies to the family.
My deepest condolences to Glenda and the whole Mihalicz family. I was fortunate to work with Neal at Circle and Faithfull branch. Neal was one of the most kind and caring person that I have known. He has definitely made a huge impact on so many peoples lives and will always be remembered fondly. Reading above about the Riders and Raymore – Home of the Rockets has brought back so many fond memories. You will be missed Neal.
Oh Glenda & family
I am so very sorry for all of you –
I grew up with Neal from grade 1 to 12 in Raymore and have so many memories of long ago.
I considered Neal to be my best friend during the high school years.
Farewell far too soon –
This just breaks my heart. I worked with him in Tisdale and lived across the hall too. Neal was so helpful during my career. A great man. He will be missed.
I had the pleasure of working with Neal in Saskatoon and enjoyed his enthusiasm always to fellow employees and customers. He was a very positive individual. My condolences to his family and friends.
Sending our deepest condolences to the entire Mihalicz family.
Our thoughts and hearts are with you during this difficult time.
My sincerest condolences Glenda, to you and the family. I first met Neal at our 50th high school reunion last year, and while I didn’t know him well, his upbeat personality, sense of humor, and positive attitude showed through instantaneously.when you introduced him to me.
I know he will be me missed by all.
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Neal’s family.
Doug and Heather Gyorfi and family
Our deepest condolence Glenda to you and your family. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences to Glenda and family over Neil’s untimely passing. Worked with Neil briefly at Scotia Bank Main Branch Saskatoon. May your happy memories of Neil help you as time moves on.
We are so shocked and sad to hear this. Al and Neil worked together as trainees. We were neighbours and had our young kids at the same time. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Surprised to hear of Neil’s passing. I got to know Neil over the many Scotiabank functions. When I got my first Scotiabank Manager post in Carrot River, Saskatchewan it was nice to call Neil for some seasoned advice, he always had time to help out. Our thoughts are with the family.
What a beautiful write-up. So surprised to learn of his passing to soon. I worked for Neal for a short time as a trainee with the bank (and knew him throughout my Scotia career). I will never forget his bubbly, humourous nature, such a gem. Thoughts to all the family.
My condolences to Glenda, Lauren and family. So sorry to hear of Neal passing. You are in my prayers. Rejoice in all of your memories and the wonderful you had together
I am so sorry to hear about Neal’s passing. Neal, Glenda and their family were long time neighbors of ours on Delaronde Rd. Neal was also our bank manager, and Christa was the babysitter for our daughters. We really did miss Glenda and Neal when they moved to Hepburn.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will have to watch the service by video as we have medical appts at that time.
We were so sorry to hear of Neal’s passing. We enjoyed many years being neighbours at the lake.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Glenda and family.
To Neal’s family!
I best describe Neal as ‘ Salt of the Earth’! What an honour to call him a colleague! He always had time to help, time to listen and time to make everyone feel they mattered no matter what their role was!
He will be remembered as man of integrity and earned respect!
May time ease your pain, and memories heal your hearts!
Lois and I wish to express our sincere condolences to Neal’s family and to his mother, Sylvia. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you on the 7th of November when you celebrate Neal’s memorial. Krista, you did a wonderful composition describing your Dad’s life in terms by which we all understand him to have been a wonderful son, husband, father and friend of the many who meant so much to him.
Glenda and family I was so saddened to hear about Neal’s passing. As a fellow Scotiabanker, I had the opportunity to attend many events with Neal. He was always a joy to be around and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Hugs to you and your family at this very difficult time.
Hi Glenda & family, it was great to be with you through the live stream to watch this celebration service for Neal. Many of the tributes reminded me of so many things about Neal. We have appreciated you as a couple and family as you were a key family for us as I entered the ministry at Louise Ave. Congregational Church and Preston Ave. Community Church. You have been a blessing to us. We will miss Neal, and pray you will find strength during this time.
Love, John & Marcy
So sorry to hear this news. Neal was so generous with his time to help others in need of help or guidance. I am so grateful for all the meetings I had attended at Scotia and the help and advice I received from Neal over the years.
My sincere condolences Glenda and family! Cherish all the great memories.
To Glenda and family, I am so sorry to hear the loss of Neal. He was such a joy to talk to and we always had fun conversations. He will be miss dearly. Send you all positive energy and my most sincere condolences 🙏🏻
Glenda and family, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Neal’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at Scotiabank at both Avalon and 8th and Clarence over the years. He was always kind and supportive, such a presence. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this time.
I’m so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. I was fortunate to cross paths with Neil during my time at Scotiabank. My deepest condolences to Glenda and family.
Dear Glenda and family…my deepest condolences to you. Neal was my supervisor at Saskatoon main and I loved working for him. He was so funny and so positive and made every day so much fun. We always laughed when Monday morning came and he would imitate a skit from SNL (especially the photocopier guy)! When we would have to drive to visit the car dealers I remember his “K” car being so immaculately clean and him being so proud of it. He always spoke of his family with such pride…he loved being a family man. I will hold my memories of him close to my heart forever. I know you know this but he was such a wonderful human…you were fortunate to have him as a husband, father and grandfather. May he fly high with the angels and watch over you always.
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