Neil Benjamin de Vries

Neil Benjamin de Vries

On June 4th we lost Neil de Vries, aged 25, due to accidental overdose. He died in the mountains at Big White where he loved to be.

Neil was an intellectual, accomplished athlete, outdoorsman and artist. He felt as comfortable developing software as he did carving turns on a snowboard, or creating a pencil drawing.

Neil was deeply compassionate to people and cared for everyone no matter what walk of life.  He loved his family dearly and we loved him equally dearly- always. He had many friends that he cared for and loved. We miss him so deeply no words can describe.

Neil struggled with mental illness (bipolar disorder) and substance abuse. Neil loved us so much he hid his deepest troubles from us.

Mental illness and substance abuse are stigmatized- we need to learn to talk about it openly, every day. Covid-19 took some of Neil’s favorite activities- soccer, movies, being with others and made it challenging to get, and give him, proper care.

Neil is survived by his parents, Beatrice and Andrew, brother Joel, his grandparents Therese Stirnimann, Maria de Vries, John and Sharon de Vries, his aunt and godmother Gabriela Stirnimann and uncle Marcel Zehnder, his uncle and godfather Whitney and his family Emanuela, Francesca and Lucas, aunt Gwyneth Price and her family Brian, Lauren and Carolyn, his uncles Alexander and Jonathan. He was predeceased by his loving grandfather Josef Stirnimann. He is survived by his beloved dog and companion Nera.

Neil now you are free from pressure and sorrow,
So spread your wings,
Soar like an eagle,
Over cities, mountains and valleys,
Be free.
You will always be in our hearts and spirit, and never alone.
Love Mom, Dad and Joel

In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation will be welcomed. Donations made in Neil’s memory will be directed to the On Track program to help other young adults. Donations can be made online at www.ohfoundation.ca.

Arrangements entrusted to Vernon Funeral Home 250-542-0155 Condolences may be offered at www.vernonfuneralhome.com