It has been a long time since we were in touch, but so sorry to hear that Brian is no longer with us.  I enjoyed working with Brian, his take on life and interesting stories; always entertaining traveling with him on the ferry, to and from work. 
Go well Brian.
Happy memories and fond thoughts.

Dear Betty and Brian's family,  It was with deep sadness that I have learned of Brian's passing.  I knew he was not well but obviously not to the extent his health had progressed.  I am truly sorry to have missed his service.  Brian was a valued volunteer with the Circle of Care Society Furniture Bank.  He contributed with his joy and his skills.  He also helped Hector (deceased) and I when we moved to our apt by building shelves for our storage facility.  I always think of him when I am getting items from the top shelve and putting items back in.  He was very generous with his time and talents.  A great loss to you, your family , friends and the community.  I know he will be missed.  Margie Muise and the Circle of Care Society Furniture Bank Volunteers.  May he rest in peace.

Betty, when you brought Brian home to Cape Breton for the first time, I thought, who is this hippie! I remember a beard, bell bottom jeans, wild prints, cut off shorts. You know, that carefree look! I was just a kid, maybe 6 or 7yrs. young? Brian became my playmate. He was a big kid & lots of fun. I was always so excited when they came to visit from Dartmouth.   Later in life I lived with Brian & Bet in order to finish my high school. Brian remained a big kid with his toys & silly jokes & forever teasing. My teenage years were entertaining for Brian. My squeaky tight leather skirt, singing, etc. I am happy I could make him laugh. I have always been super grateful to have him as my mentor when I found high school so difficult. Grateful also that he was responsible & dragged me out of the bar when I was under age.
So, like Brian, I never really grew up but I did get married to my husband, Ted. I told Ted that Brian & Bet bought me my first training bra @ a birthday party with all my friends. Brian commented to Ted...”Well, it worked didn’t it!   On one of our last occasions with Brian, we took him out four wheeling in his wheelchair. We stopped to admire wild flowers. The wheels started rolling & Brian was yelling. My quick reflexes saved Brian from being ejected into the bush. I told him I saved his life! He suggested picking a bouquet to give to the staff @ the Shannex residence. Little acts of kindness brought big hugs & smiles.  Throughout the years I witnessed beautiful love & commitment to Bet & their families. Now Ted & I cherish the times we can spend with their grandkids, Catherine, Nora, Nolan, Maya, Brynn, Wyatt & their parents. Thank you for the fun & great memories. Rest in Peace Brian. How lucky we are that makes saying good-bye so hard! Sending love to all family & friends today.
 With heavy hearts, Viv & Ted.

The Brian I Will Remember:
Oct.22,2024
Betty, when you brought Brian home to Cape Breton for the first time, I thought, who is this hippie! I remember a beard, bell bottom jeans, wild prints, cut off shorts. You know, that carefree look! I was just a kid, maybe 6 or 7yrs. young? Brian became my playmate. He was a big kid & lots of fun. I was always so excited when they came to visit from Dartmouth. Later in life I lived with Brian & Bet in order to finish my high school. Brian remained a big kid with his toys & silly jokes & forever teasing. My teenage years were entertaining for Brian. My squeaky tight leather skirt, singing, etc. I am happy I could make him laugh. I have always been super grateful to have him as my mentor when I found high school so difficult. Grateful also that he was responsible & dragged me out of the bar when I was under age.
So, like Brian, I never really grew up but I did get married to my husband, Ted. I told Ted that Brian & Bet bought me my first training bra @ a birthday party with all my friends. Brian commented to Ted...”Well, it worked didn’t it!”  On one of our last occasions with Brian, we took him out four wheeling in his wheelchair. We stopped to admire wild flowers. The wheels started rolling & Brian was yelling. My quick reflexes saved Brian from being ejected into the bush. I told him I saved his life! He suggested picking a bouquet to give to the staff @ the Shannex residence. Little acts of kindness brought big hugs & smiles. Throughout the years I witnessed beautiful love & commitment to Bet & their families. Now Ted & I cherish the times we can spend with their grandkids, Catherine, Nora, Nolan, Maya, Brynn, Wyatt & their parents. Thank you for the fun & great memories. Rest in Peace Brian
How lucky we are that makes saying good-bye so hard! Sending love to all family & friends today. 
With heavy hearts, Viv & Ted

My condolences to you Betty, and your family, on Brian’s passing. I know all the good times you shared with family and friends will help you through this time of sadness.

Fran Chisholm

Fondly remembering Brian and thinking of you all with sympathy.

"One of good ones" at the former Halifax Regional Water Commission who always brought a smile to anyone’s face ..Always there to lend a technical hand when asked and always spoke daily of his family which meant so much to him..Rest in peace my friend..Mike Vardy

So sad to lose my little bro and the last of my siblings. Brian was a good brother , when we were young he would help me repair my old cars, helped us build our house etc. He was always ready to pitch in when needed. He helped raise a wonderful family. I’m very saddened by his passing.

Betty, Gary, Heather and family my heartfelt condolences. Every time I saw Brian it was a hug and a laugh. He will be missed by so many.

Dar Thompson Smeltzer

Rick and I spent many a night playing crib and auction with Betty and Brian with lots of laughter often at the gents' expense.  Always a good sport, Brian would regale us with his dad jokes and tricks! We will miss the boogety boogety finger wave! Thanks for the years of friendship..Rick &Debbie Stewart.

Brian was a wonderful neighbour and friend. When not lobbing grapes over the fence, or spraying water at us from the hose, Brian was tending to his beautiful backyard. He was generous with his tools and time and could be found in our yard to help, and advise on various projects as needed. It was not unusual to find the sidewalk in front of our house cleared of snow when Brian got his snowblower running and we much appreciated that! He was one of the good ones! Jo-Ann and Harold MacNeil

How incredibly sorry we are to see this very sad news . His family definitely were his Joy . He and Betty were such a Great Team and we always regarded them as an Example of How a Great loving Family should be ,not to mention the laughter which you could always count on to leave you smiling . ……Brian you were one of life’s “ Good People “ in Paul’s words .

All our Love and Sympathy to Betty ,Gary ,Heather & Families . 
Paul & Kathy Stevens

OBITUARY

Carl Brian MacNeil

October 23, 1948 – October 17, 2024

A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home

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