Friday, February 4, 2022 at 12:00 a.m.
Mazurek, Neil James
On Sunday, January 30th, 2022, NEIL JAMES MAZUREK passed away peacefully, while surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 31.
On Sunday, January 30th, 2022, NEIL JAMES MAZUREK passed away peacefully, while surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 31.
Neil and his identical twin brother, Brian, were born on April 6, 1990, in Lethbridge, Alberta to Claire and Kas Mazurek. Neil attended Catholic Central High School and received a Culinary Diploma from Lethbridge College. He was a gifted chef who specialized in modern North American Cuisine, eventually earning his Red Seal certification. Neil worked at The View and most recently, at The Lethbridge Golf and Country Club.
In addition to his cooking, Neil was very passionate about music. He was an incredibly talented guitarist, singer, and original song writer. Whether in a concert hall or around a campfire he loved to perform for family and friends. Neil and Brian formed a band called The Dregs and performed throughout Southern Alberta for several years. He also enjoyed travelling across North America to watch and meet some of his favourite bands, especially The Mountain Goats, on tour.
In recent years, Neil and his brother, Brian were on Team Carnage, a paintball team that participated in tournaments throughout Alberta. They also enjoyed repairing, modifying, and testing their paintball guns together at the expense of their mother's basement and backyard fence.
Neil loved to be by water and spent many happy summers as a child with his brothers and cousins at Victoria Beach, Manitoba. Victoria Beach always held a special place in his heart. He also enjoyed traveling to Cuba and Mexico and often said "I like to feel the sun on my skin, the sand under my feet and hear the sounds of the ocean". His love of being near the water extended to fishing and his favourite spot to spend a morning or afternoon was the pier at Victoria Beach.
Neil was an avid poet who shared his wonderful poetry online. He was an advocate of animal welfare and deeply loved his cats, especially his domestic long hair cat Monters. Neil was also a passionate fan of Boston sport teams, in particular the Red Sox.
Neil was known for his warm and infectious smile, great sense of humor, amazing impressions, funny tiktok videos, and his genuine and compassionate spirit. He was always willing to help others and give of himself. Last November, Neil participated in the Movember campaign to raise funds for men's mental health. Neil was a kind and loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. He has touched many lives and left his mark on those who knew him. We know that his strong, beautiful spirit will live on in us.
Neil is survived by his father Kas, mother Claire, stepfather Philip, three brothers Brian, Jeff, and Ken (wife Laura and son Logan - Neil was Logan's godfather) as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the excellent doctors and nurses of Chinook Regional Hospital ICU and the staff of Unit 4B for their compassionate care of Neil.
In honour of Neil's passion for music, cooking and animals, the family has asked that a donation be made to a charity of your choice in his name. There will be a private family service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Guestbook (26)
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Dear Claire, Kas, Brian, Jeff and Ken. My heartfelt condolences to all your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Rest in peace, Neil. Always the sweetest guy when we played hockey together. Quiet, reserved, kind, and caring is how I remember him from years past on the ice. Condolences to his family.
Dear Claire and Family, We are so very sorry to hear of Neil's passing, a young life cut way too short
I have come to know Neil through the photos and stories I have read, Claire. Truly a wonderful man and your kindred spirit. I am so sorry for your loss and the pain you're experiencing. I continue to hold you and the boys up in prayer as you all grieve. Blessings on you all... hugs
Dear Kaz. Sending you our heartfelt condolences.
Thinking of you and your family Claire. Both Trevor and I are so sad for your loss. We send both you, Brian, and your boys are condolences. May you RIP Neil.
Be at peace Neil and know that you were loved.
Claire, my heart breaks. May God hold you and your family in the hollow of his hand.
Claire and family How tough a loss for you and your family
My heartfelt condolences on your great loss. I've been following along sending my positive vibes and prayers your way. They will continue.
Sending your family the strength and courage to heal through such an immensely difficult time. Thinking of you all.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with your whole family as you grieve for Neil. May God comfort you at this very difficult time.
Goodbye son. I will miss you terribly. Love, dad
There are no words that can adequately express my sympathies for your loss of your beloved son, Neil. May fond memories of times shared help you thorough this difficult time.
Claire and Family, Thinking of you during this incredibly difficult time. Sending you hugs and prayers for comfort and peace. Marla, Gord, Ashley and Braden Bloudoff
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your family Ken. Losing someone so young is always a tragedy. Praying that you and your family can be comforted by all the happy memories you had as kids at Victoria Beach. Thinking of you all and praying for God to wrap His loving arms around each of you and meet you right where you are. Sending you a big hug. Aunt Lynne and Uncle Jim
Absolutely one of my favorite students in Culinary, your smile and laugh and energy will be missed Chef
We are so heart broken over this great loss for your family. Please accept our deepest condolences during this most difficult time.
I'm sorry for your loss and I'm thinking of you Brian. I remember playing little league with you and Neil, and laughing so hard at your jokes. Those were better days.
my heart goes out to your family for the pain of your loss, and the I will always treasure Niel's memory when I think about how some of the best times of my life were lit up with his energy and truly amazing personality. Rest in peace Niel and thank you for being part of my life.
Claire and Family We are so saddened to hear of Neil's passing. Sending love, thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Please accept the deepest sympathies of our family. May his memory be a blessing to you all.
My heart goes out to the family and I hope that you can find peace in knowing that there are people thinking of you and praying for you.
All my love and support. Love, Mary
Dear Claire and family, I was saddened to hear of Neil's passing. He was a talented young man and will be greatly missed. I am sure the fond memories of Neil will offer you all some comfort. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our sincere condolences to all of you, Sandy and Jim Fraser