Simon Liam McNeil

Simon Liam McNeil, age 44 of Halifax, Nova Scotia passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2022 with his family by his side. Born in Halifax he was the son of John and Ferne McNeil (Halifax). He is survived by his loving wife Kelly (MacRae) McNeil, daughter of AJ and Debbie MacRae (Creignish, NS), his beautiful children, Rowan Marie McNeil (10 years) and Declan John McNeil (8 years), his father, John McNeil and mother Ferne (McKinley) McNeil of Halifax, his brothers Josh Patrick McNeil (Tracy) and their children, Charlotte and Finley, brother, Jonathan Aaron McNeil (Kelly), paternal grandmother, Marie Cecelia McNeil (“Nanny CC” - 100 years old), and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces, far too numerous to name.

Our three sons were more than brothers: they were best friends with limitless love for each other. Under the exceptionally loving care of his family, Simon realized his wish to remain at home throughout his illness, a decision that remains a powerful testament to his strength until the end and the unconditional love that surrounded him.

Simon, the oldest of our three boys, went to Burton Ettinger Elementary School in the French Immersion Program. During his Elementary years he played soccer with The Fairview Wolverines, completed the Music for Young Children program and played hockey with the Halifax Hawks Minor hockey program as well Beavers and Wolf Cubs.

He went on to the French Program at Fairview Junior High where he played School hockey, volleyball and soccer. Along with this, he was a member of Maskwa Paddling Club and continued playing Minor hockey. He then joined Halifax Dunbrack Soccer and discovered his talent as a goalkeeper.

Simon attended St. Patrick’s High School in the French Immersion Program where he continued to play High School Soccer and developed many lifelong friendships that continued on for the rest of his life.

After High School he completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree with a certificate in finance at St. Mary’s University. While attending St. Mary’s he played varsity soccer as a goalkeeper.

After completing his degree Simon took an exciting gap year to work and travel with friends to London, England where he was able to travel extensively throughout Europe.

Simon found his passion for work as a plumber. He loved every minute of his time working with great friends and colleagues. Simon became a beloved member of the CGR Mechanical family and will forever be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his co-workers. Simon was the kind of man that was always there to help a friend in need no matter what the circumstance. If he wasn’t working, playing with his kids, or on the soccer field you could bet he was at a friend's house fixing a toilet or replacing a hot water heater. To Simon, saying “no” or being too busy to help a friend in need was not a consideration.

Simon’s devotion to his work was matched only by his undying love and commitment to his beautiful wife Kelly. From the moment they met, Simon was consumed with love for her. Kelly brought out the most gentle and compassionate parts of this “rough and tough man”. They shared so many memories traveling and camping. They had such strong connections to their time spent together in Creignish. Their love grew stronger while rebuilding two homes and raising an amazing young family. The way they cared for each other and respected one another is unparalleled. Their love was often unspoken; they could communicate with just a look. It would only take one look or a wry smile for Kelly to melt the “big man” right where he stood. The way they loved each other is something Rowan and Declan can hold onto forever.

Simon continued with his soccer career by playing with the Dunbrack senior men’s first division team and then transitioning to the Armview Roundabouts. Both of these teams were comprised of childhood friends that were considered an extended family. Simon could always be counted on to bail his team out on the field while also entertaining everyone with his amazing stories and infectious personality in the parking lot after the game.

Simon was most at peace at the family cottage where he could be found continually working and making improvements. This was one place where he would relax and remove himself from the hustle of everyday life. He spent countless hours fishing, swimming, jet-skiing and sitting by the fire listening to Saturday Night Classics with Kelly, Rowan, and Declan. The memories shared will last forever.

To Simon, family was everything and as he grew older the special bond he shared with his brothers deepened and flourished. As a provider for his family and mentor to his siblings and children, Simon will be forever unmatched. The lessons he has taught will be carried forward by everyone he touched throughout his life. The emptiness that is left by Simon's untimely passing will be felt by all the people that loved him so dearly. He made everyone in his life want to emulate him and strive to be better, more thoughtful, more empathetic, more caring, and more capable.

As we remember Simon, let us always remember the strength and resolve that defined him throughout his life and through his illness. A truly genuine man, Simon never let anything deter him from being the person he was. Even though he may be gone, he will remain an inspiration to everyone who was fortunate enough to have known him. Let his kindness, strength of character, compassion, and wisdom be a guide as we navigate this life without one of the best of us. Simon was taken from us too soon but he will never be forgotten. He will continue to inspire us to live up to the expectations that he had for himself. His impact will live on for generations to come.

Our family would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to all the family, friends and the community that has been so helpful and generous throughout this unimaginable situation. Your kindness and generosity knows no bounds and we will be forever grateful. To Simon’s doctors and nurses, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your extensive and compassionate care, especially to his neurologist Dr. Sean Taylor and Clair Morton and Dr. Anne Marie Krueger-Naug in Palliative Care.

To our son, brother, husband and father: Simon, you will be missed more than can ever be expressed. You have worked harder than any person we know to leave this world better off than you found it. Rest now, knowing that we will carry on your legacy.

Simon was predeceased by his paternal grandfather Joe (Grampy Joe) McNeil, maternal grandparents Bill and Annie (Nanny) McKinley, uncle Ray Gorman, uncle Joe McNeil, aunt Sister Rose McNeil, aunt Anne Marie Montgomery and uncle Jarvis McQuinn.

Visitation: Snows Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS from 2-4PM and 6-8PM on Wednesday July 20, 2022. Funeral service will be held at St. Andrews United Church, 6036 Coburg Rd, Halifax, NS on Friday, July 22, 2022, 2:00 PM..

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to our fundraiser for Kelly and their kids at https://gofund.me/87f3059e.

Online condolences may be made at: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com