Page created by: The Uxbridge Parkinson's Support Group

Co-Founder, Uxbridge Parkinson?s Support Group
August 15, 1938 ? January 8, 2016

Born in Australia, Neil moved to Sandford 15 years ago. In 2004, I had the good fortune of becoming his neighbour. I will never forget the day; Neil stood by our shared fence in our backyards and it would be the beginning of a wonderful friendship.

As our friendship grew, Neil told me he had Parkinson?s disease (PD), a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement.

In 2008, during drinks on his back patio, he shared an idea with me. Considering the distance to his support group meetings (Markham) and his diminishing driving skills, he had given much thought to starting a group in Uxbridge. He had no idea if the numbers would be sufficient although it would be open to PD sufferers, caregivers and interested persons. At that time, he had 3 candidates including himself. Neil later sent me an email asking if I would be interested in a sponsorship role. He further wrote, ?I am certain that you will be able to tell me if it is a great step of Einsteinian proportion or just a ?dumb idea?. Well sure hope it?s Einsteinian, otherwise we have now a dumb idea up and running.?

Shortly after that email, flyers were posted and Neil was interviewed by a local paper, and the Uxbridge Parkinson?s Support Group was born. The response to this group has been incredible, with a rolling membership of approximately 25 at any given time. Neil loved being involved in our group and looked forward to attending the meetings. Whether it was listening to a speaker that he had arranged, a roundtable for sharing or our ?legendary? pot luck lunches, we owe it all to Neil for having an idea and bringing it to fruition. He has touched many lives over the years and we will be forever grateful, not only for his leadership, inspiration and the positive example he provided for those living with Parkinson?s, but most importantly for his friendship.

Yes Neil, it was a great step of Einsteinian proportion.

Neil Fitzsimon will be forever in our hearts and dearly missed.

The Uxbridge Parkinson?s Support Group meet monthly on the first Thursday. For more information, visit or call Maureen Gilleece at 416-895-2255.