My dear family and friends, even though I have passed on to continue my journey in the spiritual world, I will always be with all of you. I am now with my parents, who preceded me, John William Edge and Barbra Hurrell Gannon, and stepfather Bill Gannon. I will drop by to check in on my sister Barbara Taylor who lives in Australia with her family, and all my loved ones.
I often think of my brothers Simon and Andrew Edge along with Lee Gannon, who lives in England. As a British citizen I have spent many wonderful years touring Europe and the USA as a chef, and continued my career as a chef in the United States and became a permanent resident. During this time, I worked as a chef around the country with my last position as Head Chef at Forest Hills Restaurant in Eureka Springs, Ark..
That is where the owner, Paul Kumarik, and his wife became not only my boss but a truly good friend and mentor, along with Thomas Cline, my co-worker, who ended up being my best friend right to the end of my journey on earth.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the other friends I made in Eureka Springs such as Cliff, Ron, Butch, Davie, Elliot, Barbra, Tina, Helen, Kim, Darcy, Tiffany, Glen, Chuck and mostly Jeff and Bill and all the others who were instrumental for me to enjoy the passing of time; who supported and were there to welcome me to Eureka Springs.
I especially want to thank my friend and roommate, Bill Shaw, who opened his home and heart feeding me when I was hungry, letting me cry on his shoulder and laugh at myself when needed. When I was down on my luck and ran out of food, the Cup of Love Ministry in Eureka stepped in and took up the slack.
The memories of my family and my travels through Europe as a chef to the stars helped me get through the lonely nights. I had a wonderful journey serving and preparing food as a private chef to such people as Sir Paul McCartney and CEO of Pet MEDs Dr. Marc Puleo of Miami Beach. I loved touring and preparing food for many celebrities in Europe and the USA such as Neil Diamond, Ricky Martin, Billy Joel, Katie Perry, George Straight, Taylor Swift, Cher, Simon and Garfunkel and so many more. Thinking back the most memorable memories were growing up in Birmingham, England, with my family, childhood friends and neighbors and my time in Texas along with Tina and Helen in Eureka Springs.
As this is my swan song, l now say see you later, and I along with my Higher Power (God) will be watching over you. May you enjoy your life, wishing you lots of love, happiness and I send you my love from above. Neil
An American and British Memorial service for Neil will be held at Forest Hills Restaurant, Hwy. 62 Eureka Springs, Ark., on August 2, 2019 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the friends of Neil request donations to help defer funeral costs.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2019.