It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather Alexander Blaise MacNeil "Sandy" on May 30, 2025, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.
Sandy was born on February 3, 1946, to parents Bernard and Josephine (McMaster) MacNeil. Raised in Mabou, Sandy developed a passion for farming, hockey and antique cars. He ventured from the family farm to start a career working at Claritone in Stellarton, NS, then returning to Mabou where he would commute to work at the Port Hawkesbury Heavy Water Plant until 1986, working in forestry and at a local sawmill before returning to plant work at Ocean Nutrition in 1999 where he worked until his retirement.
Sandy was a devoted husband to Josephine; loving father to Cecilia (Vincent) Campbell and Christopher (Laura) MacNeil; and proud grandfather to Kaden and Maria Campbell and Poppy and Beatrice MacNeil. He will be forever remembered for his love of dance, silly storytelling and quest for knowledge through his many questions.
Sandy was a devoted Catholic and lifelong member of St. Mary’s Parish, Mabou. He lived a quiet life filled with kindness, honesty and hard work. No matter where he went, he was certain to find someone he knew and strike up a conversation that would seemingly evolve into a visit. Sandy knew how to enjoy the simple things in life. One of his favourite things to do was go for a Sunday drive with his love, Josephine and get a sweet treat – often ice cream or pie. Ever reliable, Dad was known to cart his teenage children and their friends wherever they needed to go. He volunteered with the local community pasture, had a keen memory and interest in local genealogy and love of fiddle music, particularly the ‘Scottish Strings’.
In addition to his immediate family Sandy is survived by his brother, Rory MacNeil; sister-in-law, Bernadine (Sandy) Rankin; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Josephine; siblings, Archie, Joe and Ann Marie; mother-in-law, Katherine Rorison; aunt-by-marriage, Margaret Rorison; father-in-law, Louie MacDonald; sisters-in-law, Caroline (David) MacKinnon; and Bernadette MacDonald.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or to Parkinson’s Canada.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, June 8th, 2025, 3pm-7pm in the vestry of St Mary’s Church, Mabou.
Funeral Mass to take place on Monday, June 9th, 2025, 11am, St. Mary’s Parish, Mabou
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
