×

Neil Hamilton Black

Neil Black

ISHPEMING, MI – Neil Hamilton Black, age 89, former Ishpeming resident passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019, with his family by his side at Norlite Nursing Center in Marquette.

Neil was born on January 27, 1930, in Walkerville (Windsor) Ontario to Duncan and Margaret (Todd) Black. At age two he moved to Fort William, Ontario (now Thunder Bay). He graduated from the Fort William Collegiate Institute in 1948 and from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario as a geological engineer in 1952.

Neil held positions with Shell Oil of Canada Limited in Calgary, Alberta, M.W. Bartley, Consulting Geologist, Bartley, Greer and Associates, and Cliffs of Canada Limited, and taught at Lakeview High School, all of Port Arthur, Ontario (Thunder Bay). Neil was transferred in 1971 to the Geological Department of Cleveland Cliffs in Ishpeming from where he retired as Chief Geologist in 1987. Much of Neil’s work was in northern Canada on mineral prospects and at various mining properties.

Neil loved sailing during his teens. He followed his Highland Scottish ancestry by learning to play the bagpipes at age 11 and was a member of the Fort William Pipe Bands during the 40’s, and later the Queen’s University Pipe Band. He also earned a pilot’s license in 1965 to aid his work in the North.

In the States, Neil was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Ishpeming and a former member of the Ishpeming-Negaunee Wastewater Treatment Board.

Neil is survived by his wife, Edith Lorraine (Adderley) Black, whom he married on December 29, 1954 at Port Arthur, by his daughters, Heather (Phil) Frustaglio of Ishpeming, Janice (John) Hartviksen of Thunder Bay, Ont., Jocelyn (Peter) Belpedio of Marquette and Denise (Don) Bluekamp of Negaunee, grandchildren Neil (Pam) Frustaglio of Marion, TX, Deanna (Rob) Carlson of Ishpeming, Jenna Hartviksen of Ottawa, Ontario and Lena (Kris) Macleod of Barrie, Ontario, Craig Belpedio and Lauren Belpedio both of Chicago and great- grandchildren Dillinger, Duncan and Rose Frustaglio of Texas.

To honor Neil’s wishes, there will be a private family service.

Memorials may be directed to the Ishpeming Salvation Army 222 E. Division St. Ishpeming, MI 49849 or to Public Radio at wnmufm.org in memory of Neil.

Neil’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.