The Hallmark Channel family is collectively shedding a tear into their perfectly brewed cups of cocoa after losing their cherished director.
Neill Fearnley, who directed a gazillion episodes of *When Calls the Heart* (okay, maybe not that many, but a lot), has sadly hung up his director’s hat after a battle with ALS.
Apart from weaving his magic on this long-running series, Neill also sprinkled his directorial pixie dust on many Hallmark movies, making sure we all got our happily ever afters.
The Hallmark team, in true Hallmark fashion, took to Instagram to bid adieu.
“Hearties, it’s with hearts heavier than our Christmas cookie platters that we say goodbye to *When Calls the Heart* director Neill Fearnley, who passed away on July 13 after a courageous fight with ALS. Neill was the secret sauce that made *When Calls the Heart* the beloved show it is today. He will be missed more than a Hallmark heroine misses the big city. ❤️,” they wrote, probably while holding hands and gazing meaningfully into the distance.
We’re sending our thoughts, prayers, and an avalanche of warm, fuzzy feelings to Neill’s loved ones during this tough time.