91 – Piper’s Cover/Sydney
At his Welton St. home, strongly and peacefully, surrounded by love and admiration, in a manner that truly represented his wonderful life, we regret the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and loving husband, John Hector MacNeil, on Tuesday, March 20, 2012.
Born in Piper’s Cove, he was the son of the late Rory Joseph (Piper’s Cove) and Annie MacNeil (MacNeil) (Barra Glen).
He is fondly adored and forever remembered as “daddy” by his daughters, Doris (Jim) MacDonald, Anne (at home), and Florence (Sydney).
Lovingly waiting at the gates of heaven, to take him by the hand into its kingdom for eternity is his pre-deceased, loving wife of 58 years, Helena.
Hector was a man of few words, but this didn’t stop his love from being shown to his grandchildren, Laura (Ron), J.R. (Kelly), John (Danielle), and Mark (Janine), or from his great grandchildren, Lena, Brady, Makayla, Riley, Connor, Cole, Isabella, Rory, and Joshua and Samantha (extended), remembering “Papa Hector”. He is also survived by his loving sister, Sarah Catherine (late Neil) MacKenzie (Christmas Island), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Waiting to reunite with him in heaven’s glory are his sisters, Mary Ann (Peter) MacKenzie, Florence Catherine (Daniel) MacNeil, and Mary Sarah (Paddy) MacNeil, and his brother Michael (Frances) MacNeil.
Hector lived a life based on the values of hard work and strong family. He often told tales to his children that he was farming since he was only 4. As a teen he was on the crew that painted the Grand Narrows Bridge. Hector enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces (Cape Breton Highlanders) in 1942, and move through the ranks to become a Lance Sergeant in Vancouver for training in artillery. He served his country until he was honourably discharged in 1946 after receiving the Canadian Volunteer Service War Medal 1939-45. Hector’s hard work ethic then drew him to the Canadian National Railway in 1948, where he worked until his well deserved retirement in 1984.
He was a devout Catholic and lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 138, often seen proudly marching in the flags during their ceremonies.
Fond of his family, and summers spent in Christmas Island, laughing, joking and listening to Gaelic music, he is forever remembered as the strong and private man, often seen rocking in his chair, quietly enjoying life.
Hector’s girls would like to extend their overwhelming gratitude to the caring and compassionate Home Support Workers from City Homemakers, respite workers from New Dawn and the VON, for helping him during the last year of his courageous life.
During this time of daddy’s life, his girls had a lot of laughs, tears, and memories we will cherish forever. He left us as he lived, quietly and without any fuss.
Visitation for the late Mr. MacNeil will take place on Monday, March 26 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 am in St. Theresa’s Church with Rev. Jim Oliver officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences to www.twcurry.com
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