James Neal Porter Hastings
James Neal Porter Hastings
December 12, 1961 - October 19, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Neal Hastings. Neal left us on October 19, 2026 at the age of 64 at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, MB after a short but incredibly courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born December 12, 1961, in Winnipeg, MB to Alice and James (Jim) Hastings.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Michelle (Leclerc) Hastings, his two children, Justin (Holly) Hastings and Stephanie (Josh) Cunningham, grandchildren, Daimen, Addy-Lou, Julie, Robin, Blake and Mack, his mother Alice (Porter) Hastings, brother Adam (Louise) Hastings, sister Crystal Caron, and many other family members and friends. Neal was predeceased by his father James (Jim) Hastings, mother and father-in-law, Eva and Adrien Leclerc, as well as brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law.
Neal grew up in Fort Rouge, Winnipeg and later moved out of the city to St. Adolphe. He attended Churchill High School and began his work life delivering newspapers and working at the Pony Corral. Neal went on to start his career in maintenance with various school divisions in Winnipeg. Having dedicated 27 years to the RETSD, Neal retired as the Director of Maintenance in June 2017.
After retirement he spent his winters in Maricopa, Arizona, where he found new hobbies that kept him active year-round. Neal loved Pickleball, hiking and bike riding, and spent all his summers since 2000 at his "happy place" in Bear Paw near Grand Beach. He also enjoyed taking his Camaro or Harley out for a cruise.
He was especially appreciative of Dr. Kakumanu from CancerCare at Health Sciences Centre for his professionalism, honesty and transparency. His family is deeply grateful to the amazing team at the St. Boniface Hospital for their extraordinary care, compassion, and support during his final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the St. Adolphe Pioneer Hall at 1:00 p.m. A private interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations
204-421-5501
Tributes: EthicalDeathCare.com