Ariel Christopher Mcneil

Ariel Christopher McNeil aka Ari Stone-McNeil
January 10 , 1985 - June 24 , 2022


It is with the deepest and most profound grief that I announce the passing of our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend.

Our beloved Ari suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on Friday June 24 , 2022

Cherished son of Wendy Stone and Barry McNeil, brother, Orion Stone-McNeil, sister, Molly Stone, and husband Kobi Dawn. Grandson of Bonnie Ship and Rosemarie McNeil. Uncles, aunts, cousins and nephew; Michael Ship, Ghislaine Theriault, Grace Rampton, Chris McNeil, Jonah Ship, Robyn Ship and Kruz Makaio King, our chosen family; Donna Read, Ty Cooke, Greta Johanna Read and Ella Lemire, and loved by many other family and friends.

He was born on Thursday, January 10 , 1985, at home, on a sunny and cold day in Victoria BC.

I want you to know that he was a mischievous adventurer, with a sensitive, artistic and creative soul. He had a distinct and colourful sense of humour and had a goofy and loveable laugh. He was a brave boy. He climbed trees, wore capes, and created beautiful art. He defended his shy older brother from the playground bully. He received bicycle, playground, tippy chair stitches without a tear and proudly shared those stories and scars. He was an eager and energetic child. A wonderful, curious, and beautiful boy, with a rich imagination.

Ari loved, followed, and competed with his big brother, Orion. They shared so much together and had many stories and struggles. The stories they shared around the dining room table years after the fact, shocked and made me wonder, where was I and how did they survive?! They were best friends and great adversaries. They were brothers.

Ari was a reluctant older brother to his sister, Molly. She was his pet peeve and greatest pest. She later grew to become his person in the family who he most connected with and for that I am so grateful. They shared a special relationship, especially during a challenging time in Ari's life.  Ari looked out for her and she for him. He was a proud uncle whose spirit is most definitely looking out for his nephew Kruz.

Ari was not a fan of the classroom but excelled in all things creative. He had a gift for creating art and food. He loved cooking, baking, and eating. He was excited to participate in the Cook's Training Program and graduated from Esquimalt High School. He excelled at Outward Bound's Leadership Training and later went on to manage a local pizzeria. Ari’s claim to fame was his kick ass cheesecake. You would count yourself very lucky if he chose to gift you with one.

Ari appreciated nice clothes and jewelry. He had a unique style and did not conform. He wore his hair in many different styles and colours throughout his youth.

Life was not always gentle on Ari. He struggled with his mental health and substance use throughout his adolescence and into adulthood. He endured life on the street for far too many years. And in the last year, acquired housing. He was a brave man and left us much too soon.

Please consider donating in Ari's name to Our Place Society, https://www.ourplacesociety.com/how-you-can-help/donate/ or to Cool Aid Society, https://coolaid.org/ways-to-help/donate/ or to your local non profit working with those struggling with mental health and addiction.

A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced.

Please visit Ari’s memorial page www.earthsoption.com (Ariel Christopher McNeil)