Stroke education advocate had a passion for prevention

John McNeil dedicated more than 40 years of his life to working with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association before he died Jan. 4 as the result of a hemorrhagic stroke at St. Rose-Siena in Henderson. He was 75.

McNeil suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage, one of the most debilitating and deadly types of strokes one can suffer, according to association representative Jennifer Merback.

"John leaves a legacy as an outstanding community leader, loving friend and ardent stroke advocate," Merback said. "John received awards too numerous to mention for his work with hospitals, volunteers and stroke victors and their families as he devoted himself to improving stroke treatment and the quality of life for stroke survivors in Las Vegas. His passion for promoting stroke prevention and educating the public about stroke warning signs was rooted in his personal experience with his brother's stroke."

For more information, call the Las Vegas American Heart/Stroke Association office at 367-1366.