CELEBRATION OF LIFE   SEPT. 9TH  1:00 To ??

Robbie Neal

Moulton Station has lost a legend. A little after closing time (appropriately), our neighbour, barkeep, and friend, Robert Anthony Clarence Neal. passed peacefully on August 7, 2023 in his 94th year. Robbie was predeceased by his parents, Olive (Lageer) and Oscar Neal. He was a brother to Edith, Andy, Della, Shirley, and Ivan. Robbie is also survived by his second family, the Hunters. Roy and Jack, in particular, were lifelong friends. Robbie will be missed by his faithful 4-legged companion, Rosie.

Born on June 4, 1930 in St. Catharines, Ontario, Robbie had a long and varied career as a worker. He started, at the ripe age of 8, as a farm hand, pulling thorn bushes from farmers’ fence lines. Life working on a farm wasn’t easy.  He lost his pinky finger in a beet shredder and all his earnings went home to help his parents with their growing family. As a teenager, he picked tobacco in Tillsonburg but eventually he made his way back home. He took employment with Bill Calvert in Byng for a time, then moving on to Dunn Township before landing at IMC in Port Maitland, where he worked until retirement. Robbie helped build the Dunnville Hunters and Anglers Club – known to locals as simply “The Gun Club” – where he served as the bartender for many years.

Robbie purchased his home on the Hines Road in the 1960’s. He loved his piece of heaven, although we are still looking for his “Lost Lake”. Robbie dreamed of starting a trailer park called Lost Lake Resort. There was one small problem – there was no lake. It’s a swamp in the bush. His new home was built in the 80’s, replacing the previous one-room shack. The woodstove in the centre of the room and a Yosemite Sam sign with the name Neal at the door resembles a backdrop for an old western movie. Robbie lived the simple life as a country boy, every bit as true as a Hank Jr. song.

For many years, Robbie sold “refreshments” at his place. Let’s just say that the beer was free, but conversation had a nominal price. In warm weather, “patrons” sat with their thumbs on their bottle tops in the yard to keep the flies out. Robbie’s door was always open but house rules dictated that refreshments were only sold until 7 o’clock.

Robbie never married or had children, but always considered the Hunter kids as his own. Neither could have asked for a better neighbour. Roy has had breakfast with him virtually everyday for years and Jack always made sure there was ample wood for the fires. Robbie had a circle of friends who gave a lot of time and energy to maintain his homestead, bring him dinners and give good company. He was grateful and generous.

Robbie had a full and rewarding life. Saturday Euchre player, luckiest raffle winner, loyal Export drinker (but never cold – he always had a couple sitting beside him at room temperature). He loved a chaw of Red Man, corn roasts, and the Hunter family Good Fridays in the bush. He lived by his own rules and would offer sage advice when asked. He never had a phone, didn’t take medication, didn’t watch TV. He listened to the satellite country music station. Visitors would hear it as they pulled in the drive. A life well-lived, without pretense or compromise. Robbie will be truly missed, and well-remembered. Celebration of Life will be held at 505 Hines Road Saturday September 9th from 1:00 to ?? Closing time. Please dress for the weather, the stove will be on.
“See ya later”