It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, Earl Francis MacNeil. Earl, aged 60, of Rankinville was called home to our Saviour on October 16th, 2023.
Earl is survived by his wife of 29 years, Arlene MacNeil; children, Josh, Dartmouth; Teegan (Hannah) Antigonish, and Kaylin, Halifax; siblings, Rebecca (the late Joe John A) MacDonald, Sandy (Rosie) MacNeil, Janette MacNeil, Donald MacNeil, Mary (the late Don) Hoopy, Marion (the late Big John) MacLean, Lawrence (Judy) MacNeil, Archie (Margie) MacNeil, Ramona (Barry) Miller, Neil (Louise) MacNeil, David (Darlene) MacNeil and Vince (Audra) MacNeil.
Earl was greeted at the gate by his parents, Alex and Mary Anne MacNeil; his brother, Angus MacNeil, brother-in-law, Big John MacLean; and nephew, Bradley MacNeil.
Earl was born in Inverness on August 26, 1963, and spent the first the first five years of his life in Southwest Mabou, where he met his first friend, Lloyd Campbell. In March 1968, the family moved to Rankinville, where Earl spent the remainder of his childhood and early adolescent years on the farm with his family, raising and working on cattle. In August 1981, when Earl turned 18, he left the homestead and began his mining career. In 1994, Earl married Arlene and “the baby” returned back to Rankinville where he and Arlene raised their family. For forty-two years, Earl provided for his family by travelling to several different countries, provinces, cities, and towns, chasing his mining career. Earl thrived in the mining industry, helping establish and yield many successful miners and men – including his son Teegan – and was always being trusted by his company of 29 years, Manroc Developments, to pave the way.
Earl was a humble, loyal, and hardworking man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He was his happiest self when he was with the loves of his life, his wife and his three kids. If you saw him talking on the phone, it was likely with his son and best friend Teegan, who was asking to borrow one of his million tools and looking for his never-ending advice. In the Spring, he could be found fishing lobster with his daughter Kaylin, on his nephew Trevor’s boat. He loved being on the water and passed on his love for fishing onto his three children when he encouraged his oldest son Josh to fish when he was 16 years old. No matter what time of year, Earl could be found on his four-wheeler with his friends and would volunteer to help maintain the upkeep of the Tracks. He loved spending his time at the “trough” with his friends, spending his days in the “garage” boiling lobsters and enjoying Bud Lights, and constantly working on vehicles and automobiles in the company of his father-in-law, Pat MacDonald. It is safe to say that whatever Earl put his mind to, he was all in. He was best known for his time spent on the trails on his four-wheeler, his strong faith and friendly smile, and always providing a hand for those who needed it, it was never a surprise for Earl to drop everything to do something for someone else.
We would like to thank the staff at the Inverness Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and EHS ambulatory care staff for the care he received while with them.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Mabou or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will take place Sunday October 22nd from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the Saint Mary’s Church, Mabou. Funeral Mass to celebrate Earls life will take place Monday October 23rd at 11:00 am in the Saint Mary’s Church, Mabou, with Father Danny MacLennan officiating, burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.InvernessFuneralHome.com for the MacNeil family.
