Born to Annie Christina (MacKenzie) and James MacNeil in June 1954 in Sydney River. He preferred being in the country, so he spent all his childhood summers in Rear Christmas Island and as soon as he was able he was hitchhiking to and moving to the Rear.
In Christmas Island, that's where he found the love of his life and best friend, Mary Lucina (MacKenzie). He married her on September 7th 1979 and started their life together. He was a loving father to his three girls, Elizabeth, Jane (Andrew Hall) and Rhodena (Tyler MacKinnon). In 2015, he added another title to his long list of jobs, ‘Papa’ to Alexis - his little girl!
He was a big brother to Betty (Donnie MacKinnon) and uncle to Ann (Phil), Jamie (Breagh) & Lindsay (Jake). Nephew to Flora and Theresa, he made daily visits to check on Flora over the road. Summertime would mean time for more visits with cousins and friends coming from the States and beyond. He always had time for a visit and story with his cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Predeceased by his parents, in-laws (Annie & Roderick MacKenzie), numerous aunts and uncles, best friend Martin.
He was a true jack of all trades and over the years had many different jobs, to name a few he enjoyed his years with Rural Heating Ltd. and John Joe MacKenzie. For the last 16 years he found his work family, and thrived working in his element at the Highland Village in Iona. He met so many visitors from all over the world on the hill, and as he said he ‘would be travelling home with them’ through their pictures.
Lifelong and founding member of the Christmas Island Fire Department for 45 years, Grand Narrows Waterfront Development & Board of Trade, Clan MacNeil, Feis an Eilen, Route 223 Forestry Group, and First Christmas Island Scouts. A dedicated volunteer, always available to direct traffic, park cars, set up or clean up for any events especially at the Fire Hall, Iona Legion and St Barra’s Parish to list a few. If there was an event, he wasn’t going to miss it. Always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need without them even needing to ask.
Most times, he would be one of the first people you would meet when you were new to the community and oftentimes the last person you would encounter as he was the gravedigger in Christmas Island for 46 years.
We know that our family has not just lost our dad, but our extended family and whole community has lost a pillar and friend. We welcome you to join us in celebrating his life Wednesday September 13th at St Barra in Christmas Island from 4-8pm, funeral service in Iona at St. Columba Church, Iona at 2pm Thursday September 14th, followed by burial and reception in Christmas Island.
A special thanks to the whole staff at Victoria County Memorial Hospital in Baddeck, Unit 4B at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and 6B Thoracic Unit at the VG in Halifax.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or the St Barra’s Cemetery Fund.
To live like Sandy, visit and take care of your community. Be kind to people and give them your time.
Memories and words of comfort may be sent to his family by visiting www.twcurry.com
