Robert Neil

CANTON — Robert Morrison Neil, age 91, a former resident of Iron River, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2020.

Bob was born in Caspian on Jan. 2, 1929, to the late Harris and Helen (née Morrison) Neil.

Bob grew up in Iron River and graduated from Stambaugh High School. He attended Michigan Tech University and was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado during the Korean War. After he was discharged Bob stayed in Colorado working at the Climax Mine and on the Roberts Tunnel, where he met and married Joanne. In 1958, Bob and Joanne returned to Iron River where Bob started a career in mining safety that spanned over 30 years. During his career he worked at Hanna Mining, White Pine Copper and moved the family to Ishpeming in 1972 to join Cleveland Cliffs. He was transferred to Cliff’s Home Offi ce in Cleveland and retired in 1987. Bob and Joanne lived in the Cleveland area until moving to Canton to be closer to family in November of 2017.

Bob had a number of passions including being an avid private pilot and certifi ed fl ight instructor, attending annual ski jumping tournaments and speaking at mining history conventions across the country. He was known for his sense of humor and performed as the Master of Ceremonies for a number of events.

He is survived by his loving family including wife, Joanne (Washburn) Neil; daughters, Helen (Tom) Frederickson, Jeanine (Chris) Raquet and Margaret (Jim) Kolb; grandchildren, Neil Frederickson (Brittany Vernier), Laura (Anthony) Tonge and Danielle Raquet; great-granddaughter, Piper Tonge; sister, Mary (Tom) Haas; and several nephews and nieces.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his daughters, Mary Jo and infant Bridget; and his brothers, Harris and Michael. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date where the immediate family will celebrate a life well-lived.