John Alexander MacNeil

It is with broken hearts that we the family announce the peaceful passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle John Alexander MacNeil, Senior of Millville at the age of 95. Born in Florence on July 29, 1929. He was the son of the late Alexander and Hughena (MacDonald) MacNeil.

John is survived by his sons John MacNeil Jr and Lewis (Wanda) MacNeil, Millville, 8 Grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his best friend and loving wife of 75 years Sadie (Caine) MacNeil, who was truly the love of his life whom he missed dearly after her passing, and after years they are finally reunited. He was also predeceased by son Thomas MacNeil, daughters-in-law Maureen MacNeil (Haley) and Mary MacNeil (Reashor) and grandson Glen MacNeil, his sisters and brothers-in-law Matilda (James) Mackenzie, Christina (William) Stubert and brothers and sisters-in-law Malcolm (Lillian) MacNeil, Chester (Nancy) MacNeil and Harry MacNeil.

John was a member of St. John's United Church in Big Bras d'Or and a member of the Masonic Lodge, Royal Oak #85 for over 60 years. John along with his wife Sadie maintained a picnic park located near Fife’s Brook, Big Bras d’Or. He later retired from North Sydney Marine Railway shipyard after 32 years. He was a lover of animals and had his own mini farm raising goats, sheep, geese, hens, pigs, and the ducks who returned to his pond every year. But he especially loved the many dogs that he and Sadie had throughout their lives, specifically his German Shepherds and he adored the horses whom he grew up with. He loved to share stories and always had a good joke to tell. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

The Family would like to thank Dr Archibald and staff for their excellent care and Capital Drugs, Sydney Mines and their staff for always being helpful and kind. The family would also like to thank the staff at Hospice in Membertou for their extensive care and for having so much compassion and positivity towards John. A big thank you goes out to the Cape Breton County Homemakers and very special friends Michelle (who was like a special daughter he never had) and Adam MacLean, Wayne and Kim Jones and so many more for their thoughtfulness that will be forever greatly appreciated. And most importantly all the VON’s for all their amazing care, especially his angel Marlene MacIntosh who showed so much love and so much compassion while caring for John.

A visitation will take place at Fillmore & Whitman Funeral Home, 8 Clyde Ave., Sydney Mines from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Friday, January 3. Funeral Service will take place at Fillmore & Whitman at 2pm on Saturday, January 4 with Rev. Peter MacDonald officiating. Interment in St. James Cemetery, Big Bras d'Or. To share memories, condolences or join the livestream of the service, please visit fillmoreandwhitman.com. In lieu of flowers donations in John's memory may be made to the Cape Breton Hospice/Palliative Care Society.