Robert (Bob) McNeil Sr. holds a place in the Modular Building Industry's Hall of Fame, but it was his family that always came first.

Bob and Jean worked as a team during the early years of NRB with Bob running the overall operations and Jean handling accounts, office management, payroll and all the clerical work that went with it; while they both raised six children.

Whether it was his business life, or family life, he was looked up to by his six children as a mentor and role model for his values and principles. For McNeil, who died Tuesday, December 8, 2009 after a brief battle with lung cancer, family was the No. 1 priority.

"He said the most important thing, bar none, was his family. At the core of his actions and everything he did, it was always for the betterment of the community," his son Bob McNeil Jr. said. "Even indirectly, when helping with the community, he knew it would be better for the family."

Bob Sr., who was 75, and his wife of 55 years, Jean, founded NRB Inc. Modular Building Systems. Originally called Regis Investments Ltd., the couple started the company with two partners in 1971, in response to the growing demand for portable classrooms. In 1979, the two partners retired, and it was renamed NRB. Bob Sr. and Jean worked as a team during the early years, with Bob Sr. running the overall operation and Jean handling administration; while they raised their children. Over the years they watched NRB grow to a major manufacturing success story, retiring in 1992 and leaving it in the hands of 5 of their children. They were inducted into Modular Building Industry's Hall of Fame in 2003.

"He was always humble," said Bob Jr. "When he was asked if he'd ever guessed the business would have grown to where it was today, he would just say, 'all I was trying to do was feed my six kids'.

They were staunch community supporters as well, something that has been passed down to his children. "Mom and Dad have always been strong supporters of West Lincoln Memorial Foundation," said Bob Jr., noting they both have a passion for the community.

"He really would just lend a helping hand - he had that nature about him," said Bob Jr. "He liked to give because it feels good."

Bob said his father treasured his final days at McNally House, not only for the care they provided, but for the comfort the surroundings provided him. "It gave him the time to say goodbye," said Bob. "It's the greatest gift he could have given us."

As appeared in Grimsby Lincoln News on December 10, 2009.