Martin J. MacNeil

Born and raised in Rear Christmas Island, he was the youngest son of the late Mary Lucy (MacDougall) and Dan Joe MacNeil.

Martin was a member of the Christmas Island Volunteer Fire Dept. and also served as Deputy Chief for several years. He was a member of St. Barra’s parish and contributed endless hours to the cemetery. Martin was a kind, compassionate person and clearly the definition of a true friend.

Martin studied MVR Mechanical at the Vocational School in Sydney. He began his career in Halifax with Forbes in 1973 and then moved back to Cape Breton and worked as a mechanic for 17 years at MacIntyre Chev Olds. After leaving MacIntyre’s, he worked for the Department of Highways and also worked with John Joe MacKenzie doing what he loved most; working outdoors and operating heavy equipment.

He is survived by his 5 brothers, John Roderick ‘Roddie’ (Janine), Dartmouth; John Edward ‘Eddie’; Hector James ‘Jimmie’ (Mary Yvonne), both of New Brunswick; Melvin (Jean), Ontario; Michael A., Rear Christmas Island; 2 sisters, Theresa ‘Terri’ (Malcolm) Gillis, Boston; Mary Margaret ‘Margie’, Ontario; sisters-in-law Rosemary and Marie, his former wife Elizabeth ‘Tootsie’, Big Beach, companion Jeannie and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers John Dan and Alexander Joseph and sisters-in-law Mary Jessie, Ann and Tina.

Visitation for Mr. MacNeil will be held on Tuesday, May 8 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at St. Barra’s Church, Christmas Island. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Wednesday at St. Barra’s Church with Rev. Joe Ambrose MacNeil officiating. Interment to follow at St. Barra Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel

Donations may be made to Palliative Care (AnCala Unit) or St. Barra Cemetery Fund. Online condolences to www.twcurry.com

“Fly high with the angels Martin. May the fiddle players in Heaven welcome you with the finest of tunes!!”