Born on December 2, 1934 to the late Alex N. and Catherine Anne (MacKenzie) MacNeil of Dominion, he was one of 12 children.
Known for his kindness and generosity, always putting others’ needs before his own, people were drawn to his warm personality. Dad led a full life surrounded by music, laughter and love. By age five, Dad had already developed a passion for airplanes. Before he could drive he received his pilot license. A graduate of St. FX University, he went on to work at the Royal Bank in Baddeck and then serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Dad was a deeply spiritual man, touching the lives of many and went on to study at the Scarboro Foreign Missions Seminary. He later became a social worker with Childrens’ Aid. In 1995, he retired from the federal government after a lengthy career with the former Employment Office, Human Resources Development Canada. Dad was also an incredible carpenter with an impressive eye for detail, a member of the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association and an avid fiddler with the Feisty Fiddlers.
Sandy will be greatly missed by his three children, Carol Ann MacNeil Rolls (Tom Soehl), Halifax, Sandra MacNeil (John Furch), Islandview, Jeffery MacNeil (Suzanne), East Bay; son-in-law, Derek Rolls, Halifax and his four grandchildren, Olivia and Alex Rolls, Halifax and Dylan and Nathan MacNeil, East Bay. He is also survived by his sisters, Theresa Price, Coburg, ON, Sr. Lucy MacNeil, CSM, Inverness, Catherine Mazzocca, Guelph, ON and Judy Morris, Glace Bay; sister in law Zita MacNeil as well as Kenzie, his loyal 4-legged, furry companion.
Sandy was predeceased by his parents, his loving friend and mother of his children, Kathleen ‘Kay’ MacNeil (2010); brothers, Rannie, Roddie, Kenzie, Norman Ignatius in infancy and sisters; many nieces and nephews Genevieve MacIntyre, Mary MacAdam and Mary in infancy.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to his wonderful doctors and the nurses at An Cala Palliative Unit, CBRH. Their dedication, professionalism and most importantly TLC were invaluable to Dad and us through this difficult time.
Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Thursday October 6, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am on Friday, October 7 at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic Church in Sydney with Rev. Bill Burke officiating.
Donations in memory of Sandy may be made to the An Cala Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www. twcurry.com
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