Neil Peart Family Plot
On my walk at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery just before Christmas, I came across the family grave of one of the world’s greatest drummers, the late, great Neil Peart.
Though Neil Peart is not buried here—his resting place remains private—his grave was prepared in advance at Mt. Pleasant, marked by a glass etching of his image atop the headstone. His late wife and daughter are currently laid to rest here.
Neil Peart, the virtuoso drummer and lyricist for the iconic rock band Rush, passed away on January 7, 2020, in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 67. Known for his precise and innovative drumming style, Neil paid homage to his hero, Keith Moon of The Who.
Born and raised in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, Neil took his first drum lessons at age 13. In 1974, he joined Rush, replacing the band’s original drummer, John Rutsey—who, in an interesting twist of fate, is buried just one section over from the Peart family plot.
Reflecting on Neil’s impact, Stewart Copeland, drummer for The Police, once told Rolling Stone in 2015, “Neil is the most air-drummed-to drummer of all time.”
Neil’s contributions to music were recognized with an Honorary Doctorate from Nipissing University, and in 2013, Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy in rock history
Glass etchings of his late wife, Jacqueline and late daughter, Selena.
Neil Peart was born at St Joesephs hospital in Hamilton and lived his first 2 years on the family farm judt outside Hagersville before moving the St Cathatrines and then to Port Delusie where he gre w up. That’s where Lakeside Park is, the park they sing about. It now hosts a monument to him in the park.