Obituary of Neal Monaghan

January 6, 1938 - Edmonton, Alberta

May 6, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

James “Neal” Monaghan of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Neal was born and raised in Edmonton, where he met Pat, the love of his life, and started his family. He moved to Calgary in 1972 at the age of 34, where he would settle for the rest of his life. Neal had a successful career with Imperial Oil.

Outside of work, he took great pride in coaching and being involved in his children's sports activities, whether it was shoveling snow from the outdoor rink at six in the morning or chalking lines at the baseball diamond before the game. Neal officially retired in 1991 but went on to consult for several more years until his wife, Patricia, became ill and he then focused entirely on her.

Neal's passion through the years was travelling. He travelled the world with friends and family, exploring many different countries and cultures. Among all the beautiful places far and wide, Neal loved visiting Las Vegas with his family; it was here, combined with his friendliness, humour, and gift of the gab afforded him many more lifelong friends. The Las Vegas fever always stayed with him, and he passed it on to his sons and grandchildren. Post-retirement, he took up dealing blackjack as a hobby and played the dealer for his son's St. Patrick’s Day parties over the years.

Neal had such an enthusiasm for life and fought hard until the end. He will be missed by so many. With Neal’s passing, you can be sure to know that there is now one more light shining up over the Las Vegas strip.

Neal is survived by his two sons, Jay (Andrea) and Troy (Emma); and his four loving grandchildren, Trevor, Dayna, Alexandra, and Christian. He is also survived by his dear sister Gail (Jim) Ryan, his step-grandchildren, Piero and Giovanna; and many friends and extended family members. Neal was predeceased by his wife Patricia “Pat”, his sister Sheila Brinsmead, and brother Kevin Monaghan.

As per Neal’s wishes, a private service will be held.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110^th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca, or the Canadian Cancer Society, 55 St Clair Avenue West, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 2Y7, Tel: 1-800-268-8874, www.cancer.ca; two charities close to Neal’s heart.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Neal’s family here.

In living memory of Neal Monaghan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.