Charles Neily Obituary

Charles E. Neily

Canaan, NH — Charles E. Neily 86, best known as "Charlie" was called home by the good lord on June 18, 2021 at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice care in Lebanon, NH surrounded by family.

Charlie was a man of many hats, a loving husband, father and lifelong Canaan resident.

Born October 27,1934 in Canaan Center NH to Ward & Lucy (Judd) Neily. A man of tremendous stature, with a heart, smile and laugh to match. He would become as well known for his patient and kind demeanor as he was for his log cabins.

At the Age of 14, Charlie went to work as a teamster logging with horses to help support his mother and other family. This began his lengthy career as a logger, right next to some of the toughest and most experienced Canadian loggers coming into the state. He would go on to work with other experienced lumberjacks and went into business with Ed Lary, of Canaan. Together they were Lary and Neily logging. If you stop by the local Canaan Hardware store, you can still see their early advertisement proudly hanging on the wall.

In the late 1950's Charlie was drafted and served in Germany in a tank battalion.

In 1961 he would marry Nancy L. Skinner. Just as they would begin a life together, Charlie was called in to fight for his country, yet again. He did so proudly, and this time would find himself overseas in Beirut, Lebanon.

Upon his return to Canaan, he went back to his love of logging. He soon embarked on other ventures including owning his own sawmill, and operating the town laundromat, which he and his wife Nancy ran together. Later selling to his older brother Tom.

He would go on to establish C.E. Neily Log Cabins, building cabins throughout the upper valley and as far as Martha's Vineyard, MA. Eventually, C.E. Neily Sand & Gravel came to be as well.

Charlie and Nancy also would welcome a number of foster children into their home over the years before the birth of their daughter Holly June, and later on son Charles "Asa".

Over time Charlie realized his natural ability to see the value in real estate and land development. He had bought and sold a multitude of properties and often would be called upon by local realtors for advice.

He enjoyed working with his brother Elwin, who helped in the sawmill, and land clearing. They worked and built many cabins together through the years.

He will be remembered for always offering a welcome seat at his table to many and his witty New England charm. All who were in his presence will likely remember a story or two from him, or perhaps you might have joined him in an occasional contest to "twist wrists".

His passions also included animals. Specifically Draft horses and Newfoundland dogs. Many will remember his Newfoundland "Major" who went to the woods with him everyday, and was more then once mistaken for a bear. A story Charlie loved to tell. His attention, love and kindness was evident to anyone who had the pleasure of seeing his horses at pulling competitions across New England. He gave many sleigh rides, attended and assisted at many sleigh rallies as well. When he owned the Canaan Fairgrounds, for many years enjoyed hosting horse pulling events.

Some may even remember coming to his house in Canaan Center to get their Christmas tree and enjoying a ride on the sleigh, hot cocoa and sounds of sleigh bells.

Owning horses throughout his life, he had a special bond with two. One a gray Mare named Jenny, and a red Gelding named Prince, Charlie often referred to as a true pulling champion.

Charlie had a real love of life and was truly one of a kind. Consider yourself lucky if you knew him.

He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, his dog "Sam" and Cat "Kitty".

He is survived in life by his wife Nancy, his daughter Holly Conkey and husband David of Dorchester, NH, son Charles "Asa" of Canaan, NH, a brother Elwin Neily and his wife Cynthia of Canaan, NH. Many cousins, nieces, nephews and their extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents Ward and Lucy Neily, a sister Pauline Watson, two brothers; Thomas Neily and Lewis Neily.

As true to his humble demeanor in life, there will be no services as per his request.

Donations may be made in his honor to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative Care and Hospice.