Donald McNeil

Donald Bruce McNeil passed away on June 19, 2025. Bruce was born in Syracuse, New York on September 16, 1940, to Helen and Hector McNeil, who immigrated from Scotland and England, respectively.

Bruce grew up in Syracuse, where he developed his lifelong passion for golf. His father began teaching him at the age of eight. Bruce often said he learned many of life’s lessons – hard work, honesty, patience, and the joy of friendships – on a golf course.

Following graduation from Syracuse University, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served two years on active duty. It was during this time that he met Lynn, who became the most important person in his life. After what he fondly described as “very careful consideration” she agreed to marry him in January 1965.

Bruce and Lynn had two children, David and Alexandra. Together they enjoyed a life full of adventures – traveling, skiing, camping, and tackling home improvement projects as a family.

Bruce began his career with the Burroughs Corporation, which later became Unisys. He started as a sales representative, and over the next several years, he progressed through a series of promotions and relocations to eventually be recognized as a senior manager/marketing director for Unisys. He found the early days of the rapidly evolving computer industry to be a thrilling chapter in his life. During these years, he and Lynn moved numerous times and finally settled in Denver, where they lived happily for many years, embracing all that Colorado has to offer.

Family has been the overriding force in Bruce’s life. His four grandchildren – Zach, Kate, Andie, and Charlotte – along with the love and support of Lynn, have been the light and the joy of his senior years. One of Bruce’s favorite roles in life was that of being “Gramps”. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and never failed to “impart his wisdom”.

The friends he was lucky enough to know added greatly to his life. Friends who stayed with him throughout his career, neighbors who added so much, and friendships formed through golf, all contributing to many hours of pure enjoyment. His 45+ years as a member of The Pinery Country Club added untold memories that he always cherished.

Bruce always loved traveling with family and close friends and enjoyed many trips to places such as the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, Egypt, and a visit to the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland, home of the Clan McNeil.

Bruce always considered himself one of the luckiest people on the planet—a true one-percenter. Not in terms of wealth, but in the richness of his life: family, health, friendships, success, and happiness. He often reflected on how fortunate he was to have grown up in this country, at a time and place that offered opportunities few in the world could imagine.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Lynn) McNeil; his son David McNeil (Alyssa); his daughter, Alexandra Passarell; four grandchildren, Zach, Kate, and Charlotte Passarell, and Andie McNeil; two step-grandsons, Gio and Giulian Bianchi, beloved family members, as well as his faithful labradoodle, Bridget. There will be a private burial ceremony at Fort Logan National Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held to honor his memory.