City mourns death of Neil Jamieson
AManaging Editor
well-respected Penticton businessman and community leader has died. Neil Jamieson passed away at his home in Penticton, Saturday, surrounded by family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He was 60.
Jamieson was owner and operator of Underwriters Insurance in Penticton and a partner/governor with the Penticton Vees junior A hockey team.
He was also active behind the scenes in politics as a former president of the federal Conservative riding association in Penticton.
Although he was keenly interested in politics at all levels, Jamieson never ran for public office.
As a businessman, Jamieson sponsored many sports, arts and humanitarian projects, often without fanfare or publicity. In a recent interview with The Herald, Jamieson said he inherited his community spirit and desire to give back from his parents.
He also had a keen interest in hockey, motor sports and classic rock.
Born in Nelson, Jamieson’s family moved to Penticton when he was an infant. He graduated from Pen-Hi in 1978.
Following high school. he worked in the insurance industry in Vancouver for a little over a decade before spending five years in Japan where he had a career in modeling and advertising. Upon the death of his father, he returned to Penticton in 1994 to take over the family business.
“With Neil, I observed somebody who loved the community and did everything he could within his powers to make it better,” said former Penticton mayor and longtime friend Mike Pearce.
Pearce visited him in the hospital in Vancouver following a cancer surgery and said he always kept his sense of humour and positive attitude.
Penticton MLA Dan Ashton, who goes back years with Jamieson’s family, described Neil as “an incredible individual, a huge supporter of the community and a straight shooter. With Neil there was no fluff, he said it like it was, but at the same time he was such an incredibly kind and caring individual. He did so many good things and it was almost always behind the scenes."
Penticton Lakeside Resort general manager David Prystay appreciated Jamieson’s incredible generosity.
“It’s a tragedy that happened far too early in Neil’s life, far too early for his family, friends, and the community. He will be sorely missed by everyone. Neil was a bit of a maverick, at times, but a great guy and fun to be around.”
In a statement, Vees' coach and GM Fred Harbinson said
Jamieson "was always looking to help the people who needed it the most. This is a great loss for our entire community.”
Jamieson is survived by his wife Michelle of nearly 25 years his son, Jackson, 17, two brothers and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Dunc and Pennie.
Arrangements are being handled by Kettle Valley Memorial. A private family service will be held. Once COVID-19 restrictions are further eased, as per Neil’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held at the Lakeside at a later date.