Death
Funeral
Neil Aden Page “Satch”
It is with love and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Neil Aden Page (“Satch”) at the age of 93 on February 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless memories.
Neil was a proud and loving father to Cheryl (Victor) and cherished grandpa to Claire and Ella. He was a beloved brother to Anna (Ray) Schroeder and favourite uncle to many nieces and nephews, some of whom also inherited the joke-telling gene. He is fondly remembered by his former spouse, Florence, and her partner Garry, with whom he shared many happy occasions. He will be missed by the many friends he made over the years, as well as the staff/residents at Grandview whose days he brightened with a joke or song.
He was predeceased by his parents Neil and Helen (née Himsley) and siblings, Joseph (Rena), Ada (Sister Mary Immaculata), Mary, Almita, Helen, Agnes Clifford (Gerry), John (Jean), Jean Shepherd (Fred), Clarence, Nancy Bisson (Andy), and his brothers-in-law, Jim Long and Ray Schroeder. Born and raised in Dunnville, Neil was the 2nd youngest of 12 children. He grew up on Monarch Row until his father passed away, then lived in town apartments with family, including one above Brown’s Arcade.
After marrying Florence, they bought their first home on Gardiner Avenue and later settled on South Cayuga Street. Throughout his life, Neil worked at several jobs, starting with machine work at John Deere, followed by positions at INCO and the Monarch Knitting Company. He also worked at Erco, where he emptied rail cars, and at IMC, operating a tow motor. After the layoff at IMC, Neil was fortunate to secure a janitorial position with the school board, first at Cayuga Secondary and later at Dunnville Secondary, where he worked until his retirement.
Neil always enjoyed the camaraderie of being part of a team. During his brief stint in high school, he played on the 6-man football team; however, with brothers called to war, Neil needed to work and help at home. He loved baseball. In his 20s he became a skilled hardball pitcher, (partially earning his nickname after Satchel Paige) and credits Busher Logan for helping him learn along with other great pitchers he played with such as Bob Nephew, Gordie Dale and Barry Dear. He would often tell the story of being scouted by Doug Mowry of the Brooklyn Dodgers but it wasn’t meant to be. His baseball passion continued throughout his life playing fastball and later slo-pitch into his 60s where he earned accolades for sportsmanship. He assisted John Baker in coaching women’s fastball and was occasionally called upon to umpire games or assist coaches in minor baseball with their pitchers creating memorable moments along the way.
As a fan, he cheered for the Yankees and later followed the Blue Jays too. He enjoyed annual trips to sports events with the Rhys’ Riot bunch. An original member of the Shep’s Sunday morning hockey team founded by his brother-in-law, Fred Shepherd, Neil continued playing into his 50’s. As a fan, he cheered for the Montreal Canadiens. Other sports he enjoyed included: bowling, pool and fishing. He enjoyed cards and games in general and was often the life of the party. A long-time member of the Dunnville Legion, Neil participated in various team leagues such as darts and snooker.
He also enjoyed attending the dances. If you had the pleasure to dance with him, he smoothly floated you across the dance floor. Neil was also a music lover. He couldn’t sit/stand still around a good beat and loved to sing along. He especially enjoyed music from the ‘40s and ‘50s – love songs, big band, jazz and rock ‘n roll. Some favourites included Louis Armstrong (the other nod to the nickname Satchmo), Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller Orchestra. He passed on this music appreciation to his daughter and granddaughters.
A true lover of nature, Neil had a deep appreciation for animals and the outdoors. He enjoyed walks and found joy in simply being outside. He shared his love of birds with Cheryl, teaching her to recognize different species and their calls. In their early years together, they spent time watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, fascinated by the wonders of the animal world.
Neil’s kindness extended to the pets of friends and family, always giving them special attention — and they were just as happy to see him in return. At Grandview, he spent countless hours in the garden, strolling through the greenery before settling on his favorite bench to soak up the sun and admire the beauty around him. The spirituality instilled in him from a young age remained a constant throughout his life. As a boy, he served as an altar boy at St. Michael’s, and in his later years at Grandview, he regularly attended Rosary prayers and hymn singing, finding comfort and connection in his faith.
King of the dad jokes, he used his humour to overcome his shy nature often engaging friends and strangers with a joke or song. He would always say it gave him immense pleasure to bring a smile to someone’s face. He was a great example of the impact of small gestures, how to stay positive and always looking on the bright side. A heartfelt thank you to the many wonderful staff at Grandview Lodge, Dr. Ezzat and Dr. Bernard for their care and compassion over the years.
Visitation will be held at JW Hart Funeral Home on Friday, February 14th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael the Archangel Church on Saturday February 15, 2025 at 11:00 am. Immediately following mass friends are invited to attend a reception at the Royal Canadian Legion, Dunnville the family will join after a private burial at St. Michael’s Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Grandview Lodge Residents Council, Dunnville Hospital Foundation,
Dunnville Minor Baseball Association or the Dave Dunham Breakaway Fund would be
appreciated.
Cheryl n family-
So sorry to hear about the passing of Dad! But wow what memories he has left behind – on and off the ball field!!
Many jokes were shared as he strolled along his way downtown!
Thinking of you at this time ❤️
Condolences to Neil’s family. RIP Satch 🙏💞
Our deepest condolences to Satch’s family. We will forever remember Dunnville’s icon. We had the pleasure of playing ball, & hearing Satch’s many stories, songs & jokes. He sure could bring a smile to anyone’s face & we loved that most of him. Rest easy Satchy baby.
Thank you for the message of condolence
Testing condolences
Sorry for the family’s loss. Condolences to them, to friends and associates, and to the community. 🙏
Cheryl and Family, I can’t tell you how sorry I am for your loss. The memories will always be held close to my heart. He touched so many lives over his lifetime, carry that knowledge with pride.
Our condolences to Satch’s family sorry for your loss, I enjoyed playing hockey on Sheps he always made us laugh especially when him and Jim Vaughn were making bets on who was going to score first 🙏
Dear Cheryl and family,
So sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. Strength and healing to you and family during this g this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of the loss of Neil. I’m sure your Aunt Anna will miss him deeply. Sean and I send our condolences to the whole family.
Cheryl, Victor, Claire, Ella and family, please accept our deepest condolences. I am fortunate to have many childhood memories that include Uncle Neil and I will always remember his great sense of humour. I had the great privilege of visiting him this summer and was delighted to be serenaded during our visit. We will miss him as a wonderful Uncle and great human being.
Cheryl and family – sending my sincere condolences in the loss of your dad. You are so right – Neil was the king of the dad jokes. And his positivity and energy was always such a pleasure to see in Hillview. He will be missed greatly. Please find some solace in the many happy memories you have of your dad.
RIP Neil …Satch gonna miss those jokes well visiting at the Grandview .
Condolences 🙏
We were so sad to read about the loss of Neil. A life long friend of our family, neighbour on the Monarch Row and then again on Gardiner Ave. It was always fun running into Neil up town and hearing a joke or two. Cheryl, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are also thinking of Anna and the Page family. Neil will be missed in Dunnville by many residents. 💜. Sharon& Ted
Condolences to the family R.I.P Satch So many memories, such a nice man he will be missed .
My condolences to the Family. RIp Satch
Met Satch when I was a rink rat 14 yrs old, played hockey with him on Sheps old timers new him a long time he was a fun Guy my condolences to the family , throw me a curve satch.
My Condolences to Cheryl and family. He was a character in a world with so few of them these days. A generation that valued putting a smile on someone’s face and he did that every day of his life! Rest in peace Neil.
Cheryl, Claire and Ella and Victor, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your beautiful obit so captures the spirit and love of Neil after a life well shared and lived.
Love Valerie and Lorne
My thoughts and prayers are with you Neil and your family . My sincere condolences .
Condolences to the family. I worked with Satch at ERCO in 1972. It was always a pleasure to chat with him.
Cheryl and Family:
I read Neil’s obituary to mom this morning and it was a beautiful memory for her. She was so very sad that she didn’t get a final goodbye to her little brother.
I remember Uncle Neil so well from the morning his dad (grandpa Aden) passed. Neil had tears in his eyes – I was very young and a bit frightened by what had happened but Neil somehow sensed that. That started started a lifelong quiet chuckle between us. He simple said ‘I see you’ and I laughed. He never stopped saying that over so many years. He was a beautiful soul.
So sorry to hear about your Dad Cheryl. He was a great guy and yes the King of jokes. Our sincerest condolences to all the families and our deepest sympathies.
My deepest condolences to the family of NEIL
worked with him at the school board
I will forever remember the good time RIP
So sorry to hear of your loss. Satch always had a joke to tell or song to sing whenever he crossed your path … whether on the street or at a restaurant especially the Truckstop … he never failed to share the humorous side of him with all. He will be missed by many. RIP Satchmo.
Bert & Ronnie
Deepest sympathies to the family of Neil “Satch” Page and his recent passing. Anyone who knew him has a great story to tell. He was always ready with a story, song or joke.
Roger and Marg
RIP Satch, ill remember the baseball information you would give us growing up
Sorry to the family for your lose, he always had a joke on the ready , will be missed
RIP Satch, you will be missed by all who came into contact with you, you made everyone smile.
Cheryl, Victor, Ella, and Claire and family
Please Accept our deepest heartfelt condolences in the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful uncle.
I will remember him talking about baseball and hockey. Also having his wonderful sense of humor.
Find some comfort in your many memories you have of your dad.
My sincere condolences to Cheryl and family. I worked with your father/grandfather at the school board years ago, always lots of laughs. RIP Satch
Cheryl, Florence and Family. My deepest sympathies. I have so many memories of our good times all together, first as your babysitter Cheryl and then as a family friend. I am proud to have had the pleasure of knowing Neil and he will always be remembered with love. Until you meet again I know he will be looking over you all making sure you are safe and having wonderful lives. R.I.P Neil, again it has been my pleasure. Sending Love Colleen
What a legacy from a wonderful dad !! Cherish all those memories and tell a joke or two whenever you can. ((Satch always made a point to tell me one whenever I saw him 🙂 ))
so sorry about the passing of your dad.Had great times with him on the ball field and off.Drinkinng a few beers.Cheers satch
My sincere condolences to Cheryl and family:
I had the privilege of playing hockey with Satch on Sheps All Stars, never a shift without a joke! Many years later Neil was my mothers protector and eating partner at the Lodge. Never a meal without a riddle, song or joke. Thanks Satch!