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The Neil S. Abbott Memorial Award

With gratitude for the support of his family, friends and colleagues, Huron is proud to establish the Neil S. Abbott Memorial Award, in memory of the late Neil Abbott, Huron alumnus from the Class of 1987.

Neil was a loving husband and father, a strong supporter of the arts, and an avid world traveller. Neil spent his entire career at Gowling WLG in Toronto and was known as a loyal friend, devoted colleague and extraordinary mentor to the next generation of lawyers.

The Neil S. Abbott Memorial Award will be presented annually to a graduating Huron student based on academic achievement, leadership at Huron, Western, and in the wider community, and students’ contributions in serving as a mentor to their classmates and peers.

For more information, or to discuss other ways to give (including by cheque or with a gift of securities), please contact Justin Pilon by email at justin.pilon@huron.uwo.ca or by phone at 519.438.7224 ext. 760.

Thank you for honouring Neil’s memory and legacy by making a gift to support Huron students and future leaders.

As of June 5, 2023, we are pleased to share that over $50,100 has been contributed towards our $50,000 goal!

$50,100

Tributes and reflections from donors are included below the donation form.

Tributes and Reflections

Knowing my partner, Neil, he would be enormously proud of this Memorial Award being part of the tremendous legacy he has left.
-Michael Herman

The Memorial Award in honour of Neil is a testament to the positive impact that Neil had on so many people, and will honour those who come after Neil who give of their time and themselves to others in addition to striving to reach their personal goals.
-Susan Rosen

With my deepest condolences.
-Shannon O’Brien

I will always remember Neil’s compassion and kindness towards others and his zest for life. He is sadly missed by so many people.
-Nancy Galluzzo

Neil had a captivating personality that can’t be replaced. He is missed.
-Rodney Northey

Neil was an excellent lawyer and a valued advisor to his many clients, as well as a generous partner and mentor within our firm. He is very much missed.
-Frances Macklin

Neil was a great mentor to so many of us. He took me on my first business trip!
-Erin Farrell

Neil was an excellent lawyer always with good, practical advice. I have good memories of having attended many conferences with Neil. He is missed.
-David Kierans

This award is a wonderful way to honour Neil’s memory and legacy as an exceptional mentor and colleague.
-Tina Woodside-Shaw

It was a honour working with Neil, he was a special person and is sincerely missed at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP. I wish the best to all future recipients of this award.
-Maggie Raco

I miss my friend. We miss our friend. I like to think he is smiling about the way this award honours him.
-Bob Muncaster

There is not a day I walked by First Canadian Place that Neil doesn’t come to mind, his passion for life and kindness to others was extraordinary. What a great way to keep his memory alive.
-Mario Brown

We honour our treasured friend.
-Kartik and Deepa Ganatra

I know how dedicated Neil was to mentorship. A wonderful way to commemorate his memory.
-Penny Parker

Neil was an amazing partner, an excellent lawyer and a wonderful mentor to so many within the firm and beyond. He always made time to talk and connect. This memorial award will be a wonderful reminder of his lasting impact and legacy.
-Filomena Frisina

In memory of Neil.
-Frank Sgro

Neil was a delight to work with and get to know over the year. He had a great sense of humour and was courageous in his battle with cancer until the end.  He will be truly missed. The scholarship will continue his legacy.
-Douglas Shrigley

Miss you my best bud. Your legacy is your brilliance and how many lives you boosted with your mentoring and support.
-Candace (and Brian, Paige and Kieran)