Neily, Thomas Hugh "Tom" – Age 68, of Forest Glade, Annapolis Co., N.S., passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Valley Hospice, Kentville. Born in Spa Springs, he was the son of the late David John and Ruth Edna (Godfrey) Neily. He is survived by his sister, Marcy Gaul, Port George; brothers, Peter (Penny), Truro; and William (Angela), South Williamston; nephews, Matt Gaul (Jess), Thomas Gaul (Jenny), and Parker Neily; nieces, Emily (Cody) Spidle, and Katherine Neily (Curtis); and grandnephew, James Gaul. Tom was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Gregg Gaul.

With a degree in plant science from McGill University, he spent several years in the Montreal/Ottawa area employed as a landscaper before returning to Nova Scotia. Tom soon established himself as an authority on plant identification with a specialty for mosses and lichens and was employed for his expertise by environmental organizations and consulting firms. Travelling extensively through the forests and wetlands of Nova Scotia, Tom collected and recorded several first known occurrences for several moss and lichen species. With his field work and knowledge, he co-authored scientific papers on species at risk and was consulted by many for his understanding of species distribution and identification. He was especially known for his work on Nova Scotia's endangered boreal felt lichen.

Tom enjoyed living the off-grid lifestyle at his North Mountain property not far from Victoria Vale where he gardened extensively with native plants. When illness and reduced mobility forced him to his current home indoor gardening with cacti and other unusual plants became a passion. However, with assistance from his like-minded botany friends including Harold and Francis, Tom was still able to collect hundreds of mosses and lichens, especially from the forests of the North Mountain, which he identified and recorded on iNaturalist. Much of his collection, including photographs, was donated to the herbarium at Acadia University.

We would like to acknowledge the palliative care team of Dr. Tanner and nurse Janet Welton who provided Tom with exceptional care and attention. We thank Tom's neighbour, Shyanne and family for being close by allowing us to know they were there when needed. We appreciate greatly Tom's friend Harold Clapp, a like minded naturalist, who was so important in giving Tom the confidence to maintain optimism and a positive attitude during his illness. We are especially grateful to the outstanding staff at Valley Hospice for all their concern and special assistance. In memory of Tom please consider a donation to Valley Hospice Foundation. There will be no services by request. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448.  Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com