John McNeilly was a founding member of the Edmonton Motorcycle Ride for Dad (“MRFD”) and served as the Co-chair for the first 4 years, and continued as a Director until his death.  He was awarded the Kiwanis Top Cop award in 2009 for his work with and for MRFD.

John served 2 years as the Western Canadian Manager overseeing all rides in Western Canada and was instrumental in starting rides in Didsbury, Vancouver Island, Yellowknife, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.

John’s quiet style of leadership was respected by all and his sometimes dark, but well-timed humor was sure to set the tone and mood of a meeting.  He never spoke before thinking about his response, and his guidance was sound.  He was involved in not just MRFD, but HOG, Blue Knights, Masons, to name just a few as well as serving 35 years with the Edmonton Police Service.

John started with the Edmonton Police Service in 1977, was promoted to the Drug Unit in 1988, and spent the remainder of his career in plainclothes with the exception of an 18 month period when he was in the Sergeant’s position.  In 1992, John left the Drug Unit to work in a variety of other investigation units. John received a “Police Exemplary Service” medal in February 1998, and a “First Bar” in 2008.  John retired from the Edmonton Police Service on January 25, 2013.

John passed away on March 24, 2020, after a hard battle with lung cancer that spread throughout his body; he was 64 years old.  John will be dearly missed by his family, many friends, coworkers, and associates.

In 2009 I met this amazing person after hearing his story and deciding we should start a chapter in Manitoba for Ride For Dad. Over the past decade, this man has inspired me and many others with his determination, courage and a great love for life. He has given countless days and hours each year, getting the RFD message and awareness out there will telling his own story of survival. He is one of the main reasons we all Ride for Dad.

I had prostate cancer in 2008. Underwent surgery, follow-ups and remained cancer free for 12 1/2 years. I did a number of Ride for Dad in Calgary. I now have a recurrence, and have a great treatment team at Tom Baker Cancer Center. I want to encourage guys over the age of 50 to get tested. I plan on doing the 2022 Ride for Dad!!

I’ve ridden most of the Ottawa rides, then took a break and then got into the Okanagan ride and now this year in the Calgary ride. My reason is to put purpose in my miles of smiles and, in this case, to support the fight against prostate cancer. I had one long-time friend who didn’t make it because he was diagnosed at stage 4 at the age of 71, but another long-time friend was diagnosed at stage 1 and he’s still hale and hardy at 74.

For the first 12 years with The Ride For Dad, I rode my ’86 Harley Davidson FLST Heritage Softail, red and cream

For the last 8 years I have ridden my 2012 Harley Davidson FatBoy Lo, flat black.

My favourite of the bikes I’ve owned. A 2006 Triumph Bonneville T-100.

Custom paint and retro styling give this British classic a memorable look..

The original 875cc engine carb set up has been boosted with aftermarket K&N jets and custom exhaust that provide a throaty sound and added double-digit horsepower. Lots of added safety and performance enhancements.

A great handling, peppy, head-turner.

Ride Safe!

2009 V-Strom 650. This is the 8th bike I’ve been able to ride in this event over the past 11 years and is easily one of the most versatile I’ve had.

2008 Boulevard C50T.
35000+ km on it. Super comfortable ride. The palm throttle is just as good as having cruise control. The saddlebags and trunk are great for travelling. The leather chaps on the engine guards deflect the cold winds. Often mistaken for a Harley.

My first bike in 30yrs, a BMW F900XR Exclusive edition. The sporty mid size touring bike that loves the twists and is a great bike to get back into the saddle with! I’ve had a blast taking my daughter out for rides around the city and enjoy the fraternalism with fellow motorcyclists in our shared experience out in the open experiencing the road and thrills and the beauty of our Province.