Royal Canadian Armour Corps (RCAC): Major-General Philip Neatby

Major-General Philip Anthony Neatby, CD

MGen Phil Neatby (5 May 1928 - 7 Sep 2021), was born on a farm near Renown, Saskatchewan on 25 May, 1928 and grew up in Wawota, Saskatchewan during the depression.  His family moved to Regina in 1942.  He graduated from Scott Collegiate in 1944 and then attended the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a BA in Biology.  At university he was active in athletics, competing on Varsity teams in basketball, soccer and swimming.Phil joined the Canadian Army and was commissioned in the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps (RCAC) in November 1950.  He had a successful career in the Army with tours in Korea, Japan, the Middle East (Gaza), Germany and many postings to Borden, Petawawa, Halifax, Kingston, Calgary, Ottawa and Montreal, often living in a location more than once.  Phil served with the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's), the Fort Gary Horse and the Lord Strathcona Horse (Royal Canadians), retiring with the rank of Major General in 1979.  

MGen Neatby maintained a long-standing interest in military history and worked for five years following retirement from the Army as Curator of Collections with the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.  MGenl Neatby also served as Honorary Colonel of the Regiment for Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) from 1982-1986.

Philip married Marian Jean Antoinette Perry on 8 September 1951.  He and Marian raised four children:  Margaret (Richard-deceased), Perry (Anne), Barbara and Bruce (Jennifer). As the family moved across the country, Phil and Marian always sought to serve their community with involvement in their church and participation in choral music, curling and golfing wherever they lived.  Phil had a creative and inquisitive nature developing assorted hobbies which included reading, jewelry and silver work, wood working and carving and genealogy.  He enjoyed good conversation about world events with family and friends and was known for his humour and quick wit.  Phil especially enjoyed time at the family cottage on Sand Lake in the Rideau System.

MGen Phil Neatby died at the age of 93, at Kingston General Hospital on 7 September 2021. A private family memorial service was held at St. Thomas' Anglican Church.  Burial will take place at a later date in Glenhaven Cemetery.  He was the loving grandfather to seven grandchildren: Lindsay, Christopher, David, Stuart, Patricia, Philip and Antonia.  He had many nieces and nephews and friends.  Phil is survived by his brother, Ken (Pat) and was preceded in death by his parents (Walter and Margaret), a brother (Blair) and five sisters (Ada, Marion, Gladys, Jean and Ellen).

1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Sarcee Barracks, CFB Calgary, Alberta, June 1975. The brigade was commanded by BGen (later MGen) Philip Anthony Neatby (sitting 8th from the left). This Author standing in the centre row, 8th from the left, had the priviledge of serving under his command.