November 2, 1936 - July 30, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Neilson Edward Green, on July 30, 2024. Neil was well known in the golf circles of Alberta and British Columbia, and much loved by everyone who took the time to know him. His fun-loving nature and wry wit were his trademarks, as was his dedication and commitment to the profession of golf.

Neil is survived by his much-loved son, Neil Junior and daughter-in law, Suzanne, from Lethbridge, and his granddaughter Addysen, (Austin Stange) of Hawaii. He was sadly pre-deceased by his daughter Robbi, from Vancouver, in September 2023. Also mourning Neil’s loss, is his best friend in life for over 40 years, Sherry Green, who worked with him at Kokanee Springs and was by his side in Kelowna until the end.

Golf was Neil’s lifetime passion. He was a very proud member of the PGA of Canada for 60 years. He was Head Golf Professional at the Calgary Elks Club for 21 years, Kokanee Springs for 10 years, and in the last years of his life, was teaching golf at the Okanagan Golf Club. Neil was very well known as an amazing golf instructor, and seeing improvements in his students, young and old, brought him great satisfaction. Neil was a great mentor to many young Golf Assistants over the years, both personally and professionally. At the Golf Buying Shows every year, all the young professionals sought him out for advice and help. He was a hard worker and great contributor to the business of golf, and well deserved the respect he received as a golf course and pro shop manager in his day. Part of Neil’s legacy will be his joy in creating fun times and tournaments that all levels of golfers could enjoy.

Neil had many accolades and accomplishments in his long golf career. He started competition at a very young age and was on the first Alberta team to ever win the Willingdon Cup in 1960. Neil set several course records, won many tournaments, and was always considered a contender. He was very proud to have won the PGA of BC Seniors' Championship three times in the later years of his career.

Neil left the world a better place than he found it. He placed value on “doing it well or not at all”. He was such a decent man, gave credit when deserved, and was often generous with people who needed a hand up – and he always did this in a low-key way that didn’t draw attention and nobody else knew about. Neil was also known for his great sense of humor and witty observations, often only understood by the people who knew him best.

Neil’s preference was to have no formal funeral service. Springfield Funeral Home in Kelowna is handling cremation. There will be a small gathering of family and friends at a later date. We hope that you will recall the fun times you had with Neil, and we want you to know that he remembered his friends with great fondness right up to the end.

The PGA of BC thanks Sherry Green for her contributions to this article.