With broken hearts, we announce the passing of our husband, father and Papa Roy on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the An Cala Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Christmas Island on November 5, 1935 he was the youngest of ten children of the late Allan J and Mary C MacNeil. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Florence (Beaton); daughter MaryLeigh (James MacNeil) and children Aidan, Cameron and Emma; son Iain (Katherine Norton) and children Merrick, Isla and Liam; sisters Rhodena MacDonald (Sam, deceased) and Dolena MacDonald (Cyril, deceased) as well as many nieces and nephews.
Roy was predeceased by siblings Anna Mae Murphy (Danny), Libby MacKinnon (Danny), Josie Garnier (John), Hector (Mabel), Angus (Leona), Neil D (Marilyn) and John C (Shirley).
Roy joined the Canadian Armed Forces in April 1955 and proudly served for 36 years, a career that took him across Canada and around the world. Retiring back to the family home in Christmas Island he went right back to work managing MacLean’s Service Station in Iona and later with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires at the Bell Museum in Baddeck. He sat on the Northside the Lakes Community Health Board, served as a director of Clan MacNeil of Atlantic Provinces Branch, and was an active member and former Fire Chief of the Christmas Island Volunteer Fire Dept. He was a member and past president of the Grandona Legion Br. 124 and was past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 13734 and 4th degree member of Monsignor Donald MacPherson Assembly.
Roy loved celtic music and loved to play the fiddle, he was happiest when he played along with many family and friends over the years. He was also a great volleyball player, winning many championships with his military teams and later enjoyed coaching. His nieces and nephews will remember their cool uncle Roy showing up in his little red sports car on his way home from wherever he was stationed at the time. In his later years he took great pride in keeping the fields mowed. He had a great sense of humour and kept us laughing till the end. He was a great Papa and will be missed dearly by his grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and a Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, March 21 at St. Columba Church in Iona at 1pm with burial following in St. Barra’s Parish Cemetery in Christmas Island. Father Varghese officiating. Those unable to attend may join the livestream via TW Curry’s Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Barra’s Cemetery Fund or a charity of your choice. Memories and words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
