George 'Buddy' MacNeil

George “Buddy” MacNeil passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2013. He was born July 5, 1921 in Sydney, the son of the late John Alex and Annie B. (Flemming) MacNeil. He is survived by his wife, Betty (Bruce) and 3 children; Bruce (Grace Lin) Toronto, Hughie (Katie) Calgary and Lenora (Kevin Whitman) Dartmouth: three grandchildren: Elizabeth, Maggie and Callum, Calgary and sister Marie Maisonville, Pointe Claire, Quebec. He was predeceased by brothers, Hughie D., Dave, Cameron and Michael MacDonald and John Scotty MacNeil and sister Rachel MacDonald.

Buddy served overseas in World War 2 as a member of the RCAF. Buddy was self employed all his life. His childhood family operated the Arlington Market on Townsend Street and Buddy operated a small store on Charlotte Street in the 1950‘s. Buddy was Peppo of Peppo’s Pizza Shop in Ingonish. He became a generous member of the community always ready to assist a family or neighbour in need and contributing to many local causes.

Buddy was well known in Eskasoni and Whitney Pier in the 1970’s selling fresh fruit, vegetables and meat from his station wagon. He was proud of the great many friends he made across much of Cape Breton through these endeavours. Many local businesses received a leg-up from Buddy as he became landlord, counsel and informal banker to those starting out.

Visitors were a normal and colorful feature of the family home on Campbell Street. Buddy would welcome strangers and friends alike for dinner, a drink, tea or pie. No one was turned away no matter the hour or the need.

Later in life Buddy spent days perfecting the simple apple pie to an art form. He would frequent yard sales and markets to purchase appropriate sized pie plates so that he could bake each day and then spend the evening visiting old friends to deliver a pie - never expecting the plates to be returned.

Photography was a particular talent. Buddy’s colour photographs from the 1940’s through 70’s form a compelling record of noted events and everyday Cape Breton life. Many of these have found their way to Facebook with wide acclaim and much discussion.

Buddy’s formal education ended at grade five. He then devoted himself to becoming a renaissance figure - continually reading across the classics of literature, science and philosophy: all the while taking care to never smack anyone in the face with the depth of his knowledge. He often discussed passages and themes from Melville, Sartre and Hume with the many academics who became customers of the pizza shop.

Marriage and fatherhood came later in life. He was a devoted and enraptured husband and truly dedicated father defined by sacrifice and selfless attention to his children. He worked daily to imbue his children with the generosity and kindness of spirit that defined his persona. Buddy spent the past few years at Taigh Na Mara in Glace Bay. The staff’s professionalism and kindness were invaluable and allowed him to enjoy time with Betty while receiving top notch elder-care. Buddy greatly appreciated this assistance and the family is forever indebted to the Taigh Na Mara caregivers for the emotional and physical support.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 4 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at TW Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, March 5 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Sydney. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be made by www.twcurry.com