NEIL, Kenneth Allan “Ken”, Ph.D - 58, of Sheffield Mills, Kings County, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 5th, 2011 in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born October 29, 1952, in Halifax, he was the son of the late Walter and Dorothy (Flynn) Neil. Ken’s lifelong passion was the study of insects (entomology). He graduated from Dalhousie University in 1975, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, followed by special study years at Carleton University, Ottawa, before coming back to Dalhousie to obtain his Ph.D, which he achieved in 1981. This was followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. For many years, Ken worked at the Kentville Research Station on various projects for fruit and vegetable growers. He also identified marine insects for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and was a part-time professor at St. Mary’s University for several years. Ken was also a past employee of Hillaton Foods and Nova-Agri. Ken continued his research on insects, and wrote online entomological articles until the final stages of his illness. Ken’s hobby was military modelling and painting miniature figures. He spent many happy hours diligently working on his creations. He is survived by his wife, Irene (Belliveau) Neil, as well as their children, David, Dartmouth and Denise (Justin) Longley, Toronto. Also surviving are Ken’s brother, William (Joan) of Lower Sackville; sisters, Cathy (Laurie Browning) Riley, Lumby, B.C. and Heather (Andre) Belanger, Timberlea; two nephews, two nieces, two great-nephews and one great-niece. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mrs. Annie Belliveau, Meteghan. Other than his parents, Ken was predeceased by sisters, Shirley, Darlene and Patricia (the latter two in infancy). Cremation has taken place, and the family will receive visitors on Wednesday, July 27th from 7-9 p.m. in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Thursday, July 28th, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the “Carey Me” fund c/o the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation. The family wishes to thank Drs. Merryweather and Burgess, as well as the nurses of the Medical A wing of Valley Regional Hospital, in particular, Stacey and Beverly, for their compassionate care during Ken’s stay in hospital. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries and condolences may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.