With gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the death of Michael J. MacNeil (Mìcheal Eòin Chaluim Sheumais Mhóir) which occurred on Monday, April 22. Born in 1928 and raised on a small farm in Jamesville, Victoria County, Mickey was the son of the late John H. and Mary Catherine MacNeil. During his youth, Gaelic was the main language of his home and singing and storytelling were everyday parts of community life. After serving in the armed forces for several years after WWII, Mickey returned to Iona where he married and spent the next three decades as the local storekeeper, not infrequently paying for groceries out of his own pocket when he knew people needed the help. A man of deep faith, he exemplified the creed love thy neighbour. His home was characterized by hospitality and good humour, and company was always welcome. Many a visitor benefited from an evening of lively conversation and a dileag with Mickey John H. Mild-mannered and engaging, he was at ease with people young and old and was especially good with children, who appreciated his gentle, playful nature. A long-time volunteer and member of the church choir at St. Columba, Mickey was also a valued member of the Iona Gaelic Singers. He possessed a strong, melodic voice that was richly accented by his mother tongue. Gaelic was an important part of his identity, and he embraced his role as mentor to language learners who valued his friendship as much as his fluency. Well into his nineties, he remained active and engaged, continuing to travel to milling frolics around the island and publishing a book for children in Gaelic and English in 2021. Mickey was a gifted tradition bearer whose knowledge of the language and its oral tradition was widely recognized. His support for the language earned him the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Award of Merit from the Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum. Mickey is survived by his sisters Catherine Ann MacKenzie, Sydney River, and Jemima “Mina” MacNeil, Hamilton. He was predeceased by his wife Hughena, sisters Mae MacNeil, Elizabeth “Betty” Noonan, Josie Small, brother Murdoch, and special friend Cecelia MacDonald.
Visitation will be held 3 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday April 30 at St. Columbia Parish Centre in Iona, Funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at St. Columbia Church, Iona. Interment in parish cemetery. A reception will follow the service at the Grandona Legion Branch #124.
To share memories or words of comfort with his family please visit www.twcurry.com.
Mickey cared deeply about his community and appreciated the support provided by many friends, family, and neighbours over the years. He was a fixture in the area for nearly a century and his presence in our lives will be deeply missed. Dia bhith math dha.
