Rory was born on October 8, 1944, in Mabou, to parents, Bernard and Josephine (McMaster) MacNeil. Rory had a deep Catholic faith and was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Parish Church in Mabou. A hard worker known for his calm demeanor and physical strength, Rory spent much of his working career at CN Rail. His days off and eventually his retirement would lead him back to the family farm, here he did what he enjoyed most-spending time with family, listening to fiddle tunes and putting a few miles on a Chevrolet or two.
Rory was a kind, gentle soul and a man of few words. He valued family and enjoyed visits from his grandnephew and grandnieces. Rory quietly cared for others through his acts of service and as a steady presence in the lives of those he knew. Rory will be missed deeply, especially by his niece, Cecilia and nephew, Chris, to whom he was like a second father. Rory had a love of animals particularly for a barn cat named Simon who lived a life of luxury, never needing or wanting to hunt because of how well-fed Rory made certain he was.
Rory is survived by his niece, Cecilia (Vincent) Campbell of Mabou; nephew, Chris (Laura) MacNeil of Timberlea; and sister-in-law, Josephine MacNeil, Mabou. He is also survived by grand-nephew, Kaden Campbell; and grand-nieces, Poppy and Beatrice MacNeil and Maria Campbell. Besides his parents, Rory was predeceased by his siblings, Archie, Joe, Ann Marie and Sandy.
We, Rory’s family, would like to extend thanks to the caring staff at both Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, and the wonderful staff at the Foyer Pere Fiset in Cheticamp for the excellent care Rory received while staying at both locations. Your kindness and support certainly made a difficult time a bit easier to bear.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery Fund, Mabou, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or to a charity of your choice.
Visitation will take place on Monday, December 29th, 2025, from 10:00-10:45 am with Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am in St Mary’s Church, Mabou.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
