It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Neil R. "Sonnie" MacInnis, on August 19, 2024 at the age of 91 years. He was the loving and devoted husband to Rose (MacDonald) for 71 years and the most amazing father to his eight children, Angela (Dan Avery), Peggy (Allan Marple), Roddie, Annais, Joalex (Geraldine MacMillan), Mona Liza (Greg Smith), Helena (Leonard Rankin), Neil Anthony and the "adoptive" father to the Gillis family who lived next door, J.D, Stephen, Allan, Margie, RoseAnn and Leonard.
In 1953, Sonnie and Rose were married in Hamilton, Ontario and soon after, they decided to move home to their Cape Breton birthplace. They raised their eight children on the Shore Road, close to many family members.
Sonnie worked at several different jobs over his lifetime, but most notably in his own welding shop. His great talent for finding a way to fix the most difficult/challenging welding or mechanical jobs brought him customers from near and far. He never turned away anyone who came to him for help - young or old! (many are the go-carts and bicycles he repaired!) His quiet, patient and generous personality will always be remembered by his family, neighbours and community.
He was very involved in the Port Hood Volunteer Fire Department for many, many years and still listened to his pager right up to the day he passed away. He always wanted to know what was happening in his community and who might need assistance.
Sonnie was a very faith-filled man. His daily prayer routine started at 5:30 every morning and he attended Sunday Mass every week until he was too weak to go. He always encouraged his children and grandchildren to go to Mass. If he thought any of his family or community members needed an extra prayer, he would add them to his morning prayer list.
Sonnie will always be fondly remembered by his 24 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. He had a very special place in his heart for the children and took time to be with them when they visited his and Rose's home. The weekly Sunday dinner was very important to him. It was the time each week when we all got together to spend time with Mom and Dad and any other family members who lived close by.
The family would like to thank Central Inverness Palliative Care Society, especially Lori Anne and Dr Ritter, Home Care, Continuing Care and the many other caring people who provided the opportunity for Dad to spend his last month being cared for at home - where he wanted to be - surrounded by his family.
Sonnie was predeceased by his parents, Dan Hugh and Sadie MacInnis; son, Joalex; brothers, Joseph, John A, Donald; and his sisters, Catherine MacDougall and Jessie Hanley.
Surviving siblings are Marie Willis, Rachael MacNeil, Margie MacDonald and Vince MacInnis.
Visitation will be in Port Hood and Area Resting Place on Monday, August 26 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, Aug 27 at 11:00 am in St Peter's Catholic Church, Port Hood. Burial will follow at a later date.
Donations in memory of Sonnie MacInnis can be made to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society, the St. Peter's Parish Cemetery Fund or the Port Hood and Area Resting Place.
Family flowers only please.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
