Maurice MacNeil

Maurice was born on October 14, 1930 and was the son of the late John A. and Jessi (Chisholm) of Christmas Island. He attended Sydney Academy and was employed at Sydney Steel Corporation until his retirement. Maurice grew up on Whitney Avenue in Sydney. After retirement he moved to Mira Road to the home of Alice and Barney Peters where he became “one of the boys” at Peters’ Construction Limited.

He had a heart of gold. He loved all animals, especially his dog Benjii and numerous stray cats. Maurice never had children of his own but he loved Fred and Evelyn’s girls as his own and referred to them as “his girls”. He was very involved in their lives and was extremely proud of them. In earlier days Maurice was known to chauffeur the girls and their friends to countless dances, sleepovers, movies, sports practices and anywhere else they needed to go. They could also always count on him to drop off treats from the store whenever they asked. He knew all of their friends as he often picked them up and drove them home as well, even in the worst weather conditions. Maurice never said “No”. There wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t do for his girls or for their children. The grandchildren especially brought him great pride. He loved each one of them.

In addition to his parents Maurice was predeceased by his brothers Vince; Ray; Lawrence and sisters Mary (Sandy) MacKinnon; Florence (Joseph) Hureau.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Maurice is survived by best friends Fred and Evelyn Peters and their daughters ("the girls") Michele (Peter) Somers; Heather Peters, Deborah Peters, Amber MacMullin and Jody (Jeff) Ryan as well as their children MacKenzie, Crewe, Reade and Eve Somers; Riley and Madison MacInnis; Ainsley, Faith & Easton Pelley; Brett, Jake, Tavish & Teyah MacMullin; Jaiden, Cash & Jax Ryan. Maurice is also survived by the extended Peters' family, Ann (Harvey) Stone; Brenda (Jerry) Carson; Judy (Patty) MacLellan; Allison (Glenn) Locke; Debbie Peters (late Tom Peters) ; Gordon (Linda) Peters; George (Sheila) Peters; Terry (Debbie) Peters and all of their children. Maurice is also survived by the extended MacPherson family. Thelma MacKillop, Joan Morrison, Sandy (Iris) MacPherson, Robert (Margaret) MacPherson. Heather (Ben) Furey.

Maurice was especially fond of the boys in the garage and he considered them his family as well.

Maurice was a man of deep faith and was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Immaculate Heart Parish and now St. Marguerite Bourgoeys Parish. He was very appreciative of the hospital visitation and prayers with Fr. Paul MacGillivary.

Many thanks to all of those who cared for Maurice over the last year. He was particularly greatful for the special attention paid to him by Peter Somers, Riley Macinnis, Madison MacInnis, Jamie Peters and Kirk Gwyn whenever he needed anything. A heartfelt thank you is extended all the healthcare workers who cared for Maurice over the years, especially Dr. Abboud and the compassionate team in the An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Dr. Fashir, Cape Breton County Homecare workers and the VON.

Maurice was a man of very little wants or needs. He found enjoyment in the very simple things in life. He dearly loved his morning breakfast visits to Burger King to chat with the boys, his conversations with his favourite clerk at the NEEDS store and he looked forward to seeing the sweet ladies at Simeon's restaurant for supper when he could. These are the things that made him smile. Please know that you all made his life a little brighter.

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver. – Barbara De Angelis

Visitation will take place on Monday, September 21 from 6pm until 9pm at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, George St., Sydney. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 40 Cabot St., Sydney on Tuesday, Sep. 22 with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. Interment to follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.

Donations in Maurice's name may be made to the An Calla Palliative Care Unit or the CB SPCA.