Erin McNeil

On a sunny Thursday March 5th, Erin, my wife, Addison's mother, puppy Sadie's guardian and a friend, associate or workmate to all of you left us after a short but heroic battle with ALS.

For those of you who were unaware of her diagnosis, and Erin kept it very private, her symptoms made an abrupt appearance in May last year, she was tentatively diagnosed in September and the terrible news was confirmed in November at the ALS Clinic.

Erin, Addison, Sadie and I were able to have one last trip, to The Empress, prior to her ALS Clinic visit. She revelled in the ambiance and loved the High Tea.

Through the months Erin maintained an attitude to accomplish what she could, arrange life ahead for me and Addison, and prepare herself for her ultimate decision.

Addison and I were her caregivers during this time, and I would like to thank him for all his selfless help with his mom. Erin loved him with all her heart and soul.

Addison enjoys cooking and Erin was overjoyed sharing with him her secrets and shortcuts in preparing some of our favorite meals, including Turkey dinner.

As many of you will know, if there was planning to be done, Erin would jump in so it won't surprise you that she was involved in every aspect of what was required in her short time remaining, down to planning for her passing, her goodbyes to her friends and her Celebration of Life.

Addison and I would like to thank the wonderful staff at the ALS and Related Disorders Clinic at the Djavid Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health and the ALS Society of BC for their kind attention and help with Erin during this very difficult time.

For those of you who would like to honour Erin, please send as generous a donation as you can, in recognition of her, to the ALS Society of BC who do so much tireless work to help those suffering from this horrible, unrelenting disease.

Please join us, if you can, for Erin's Celebration of her Life on May 24th at the Riverway Golf Club between 1 and 3 pm and remember her as the sparkling and beautiful woman she was.

We miss you.