To Kristina, the Kids and to Neil in Heaven
I have just heard from Shannon about this tragic loss. I CANNOT believe I missed this story and feel so lost and sad that I could not help suppport you and your family any way any how during this loss. I just want to share a little bit of what I remember of Neil. We shared some cool times together when we were 'younger'. And Kristina my heart breaks for you...If there is anything...well whatever I can do even today I would love to help if you needed something, anything....

In 1993 I met Kristina first. We were in education classes at SDSU studying to become teachers. I don;t know how I got so lucky for her to have put up with me in those classes but her, Shannon and I formed a bond and friendship. Soon we would all hang out studying and occasionally we would be at Kaye's house when Neil would come home late, smelling from a day busting his ass as a Roto Rooter repair man. I was impressed with his dedication. He was younger than I was but I could tell he was WAYYY more responsible.
We got along because he was so damn funny. Over the years we hung out more. He really impressed me with his dedication and his sense of knowing who he was and what he wanted. I could not have been more proud of him when he told me about becoming a Border Patrol Officer and making the Horse team (sorry I don't know the official name) A man who accomplished so much in such a short period of time.

Kristina if you read this, I could not have written what I am about to write in 2007 as I was not walking with the Lord then. It seems HE knew when to tell me best...

There is nothing that will take away the pain and loss...but on that horrible night as Neil passed from this World, I can only imagine as he looked into the shining and smiling face of God and He put his arms around Neil to comfort him and bring him home, what a moment that must have been. Neil, as so many have said here, was a such a great guy and you two were so perfect together.
And God knows it too and I bet HE had an even larger smile on his face when Neil came home.
I just KNOW in my heart that he is in Heaven smiling down on you and the kids
I will continue to pray that God gives you peace that supercedes all understanding.
God Bless You Kistina
Love Chris McDaniel

My wife and I went to Tony Roma's for dinner last friday, the 3rd...neil's birthday.
We used to go for his birthday, and we liked to get the sampler platter...his and my favoites were the blue ridge smokies!
We were joined by Kim's parents for dinner too. My wife and I plan on making this a tradition from now on to celebrate my friends life and share memories of him with each other as she also knew him quite well.
I hope Neil's family is doing well, especially Kris, Robbie, and Kayelin.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about Neil and the fun we had. Not one day...
Brian & Kim Hafliger

It's Christmas Eve and I'm thinking about Neil's family. I hope you all are doing OK. I can't imagine how hard it must be this time of year. I am a member of the Border Patrol's Honor Guard and we just graduated a new class of agents to be on our team. It occurred to me and my husband, Howard, that Neil would have been there with us. Instead, we conducted some of our training at the place we said goodbye to him. It's just such a shame that this world has lost such a wonderful man.

I, like everyone else on this site, have some great memories of Neil and his always positive outlook, his smile, his eagerness to help others. We worked at the same station and I took up bagpiping lessons with him. He took to it right away, of course. I'd say he had an unfair advantage, it being in his blood and all. :-) I had a hard time learning the timing and he was always trying to help me with it. While Neil continued to practice and get better my dedication waned. After his funeral I was inspired to take it up again- in part as a tribute to him. I am finally able to play well enough that I'll let people hear me play. I hope to one day dedicate a performance to my dear friend Neil.

To Kristina, Robbie, Kayelin and all those who love Neil, my heart goes out to you. To Mr. and Mrs. Hepburn, thank you for bringing such a wonderful person into this world. To Colin, thank you for this site and for giving us a place to share our thoughts.

Your Border Patrol family is always here for you. We will never forget you or Neil and you can call on us any time.

All my Love,
Amber

It's been a year to the day and it hurts just the same. I think about all the great things that Neil did to influence my life. What a great friend, husband, father, brother, co-worker..............person. It's a shame I never got to tell him just how truly special he was to me. I miss you Neil.

My heart goes out to Neil's family. May God bless them during this very difficult time. I worked with Neil at the Imperial Beach Border Patrol Station. I had the honor of attending ATV training with Neil and got to know him pretty well. I couldn't of made it through that training without Neil. He was very patient and taught me so much! There really wasn't much that Neil couldn't do. He was definetley a jack of all trades. He will be missed.

Sylvia Rodriguez

To Neil's wife, children, and family,

I am so sorry this happened. This is devastating news. I just found out about Neil's passing recently-- a friend forwarded me the news clip online.

Neil and I were friends in college at SDSU. Neil was a very spirited man-- as a classmate, he challenged me to think outside the box; as a friend, he challenged me to live my life with purpose and conviction. Neil always seemed to know where he was going and what he wanted out of life. I always admired that quality in him, along with so many others. I am sure he turned out to be a great husband and father.

My 9-year-old son passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago. I know what it feels like to have someone so important to your life, so loved and so special, ripped away from you. I hope that you are finding comfort and peace in the support and friendship of friends, famnily and loved ones.

I know that Neil is in heaven along with my little Tristan, and both are smiling down on our families with pride at how we keep their spirits and memories alive. Feel free to contact me anytime at carylfinch@yahoo.com if you need anything.

Blessings to you all,
Caryl Finch

Just a test to make sure that registered users can indeed post to the guestbook

All my love and sympathy to neils wife and kids i am billy neils mums cousin in dundee just watched the celebration off neils life the funeral must make you so proud i was blessed to see him as a small child and am so proud off the way he lived his life and his lovely wife and familly i am coming soon get ready xxxxxxxxx

I'm so sorry this happened. I don't know any other way to express this, but I am so sorry. I went to training with Neil in McAllen, Texas in February. I didn't know him before that but became friends with him. Great guy...truly a great guy. I have a picture of Neil on the Rio Grande, under a bridge, somewhere near Hidalgo Texas. Please let me know how I can send this. God Bless you.
Mark Kirkpatrick

While we were not able to travel down for the memorial service, we were there in heart and soul. Neil was the kind of man who always lit up a room and amped the energy level with his contagious enthusiasm and joie de vivre. Everyone's favorite in social gatherings, Neil had the unique ability to embrace and engage an entire group while still making each person individually feel special. The world is lessened by his absence, however his legacy of love and devotion to family and friends will never be forgotten.
Loving thoughts to the whole family, Liz and Lyle

I was in San Diego on the 8th September and happened to read about the story in local paper. I didn't know Neil but i am also from Dundee in Scotland so it was just coincidence i read about this. My heart felt condolances go to Neils family and friends at this difficult time. Neil was about the same age as myself and i wondered if our paths ever crossed. Being taken away so suddenly and in such a tragic manner is always the worse thing.

A quote from Rabbie burns the scots poet " A mother lament for the death of her son"

Fate gave the word, the arrow sped,
And peirced my darlings heart;
And with him all the joys are fled
Life can to me impart.

By cruel hands the sapling drops,
in dust dishonour'd laid;
so fell the pride of all my hopes'
my age's future shade.

The mother-linnet in the brake
bewails her ravished young;
so i for my lost darling's sake,
lament the live, day long.

Death, oft i've feared thy fatal blow.
Now, fond, i bare my breast;
O, do thou kindly lay me low
with him i love, at rest.

Jim Smith
Derby, England, UK

So much to say but so hard to put to paper. We are glad that we were able to say good bye to Neil with all of you. The ceremony was grand. Kristina we are so sorry for your pain. But as we watched you through out your ordeal we both knew that you will be okay. We sat and listened to you speak and say your good bye to Neil, it was heartfelt, overwhelming,and beautiful. We admire your strength, courage and love that you have for your husband and children. I enjoyed meeting your mother she will be a great comfort and strength. Please know that we truly will be there for you and yours, just let us know when you are ready; you are not alone. Neil had a zest for life and for all he loved. We will miss him. We send our love and prayers to all the Hepburn family and share your feelings of loss for we have been there as well.
Love
Fred and Kathy

Where do I begin...I never thought I would lose my friend Neil, I always thought it would be really cool to hang out as old guys. I miss my friend soooooo much.
We too are here for you Kris, and for Neils family too.
When I think about how much fun we had riding bikes, and racing I get a big grin...but it's immediately followed by a feeling of sadness. My wife and I have been pretty up and down these past weeks...we both miss him terribly.
I'm so glad I had the chance to be really good friends with him, his family, and Kristina.
I have to say that everyday since Neil's passing I keep drifting off remembering some of the crazy things we did as kids and adults. Neil was never, ever boring.
I hope his family knows just how much I loved him!
Brian

I think it is great that you have made a website dedicated to Neil. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We are here for you Kristina, Robbie and Kaeylin. If you guys ever need anything we are here for you...I mean it! Don't ever hesitate to call! Just know that Neil is in a much better place. I know it is so hard to move past this...but just know that God will comfort you and He will help you through this hard time. He may not always prevent us from the storms, but he helps us through them. We will be praying for all of you.
Love,
Steve, Christy, Jake, Joel and Jett Morgan