Cyril Kennedy MacNeil of Port Hood, Nova Scotia died on May 2, 2018 after an amazing life. He died peacefully, surrounded by family in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Cyril came from humble roots, son of the late Joseph and Margaret (Kennedy) MacNeil. He was born in Inverness and lived his early years in Kenloch on Lake Ainslie. Cyril’s family moved to Mabou, where he graduated from St Joseph’s Convent School in 1964. Cyril graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1968 and continued his studies at Dalhousie University.
The greatest love of Cyril was his family: his devoted spouse, Jeanette MacEachen, from whom he was inseparable for 48 years; his sons Gavin (Danica), Dean (Christine), and daughter Toinette Martin (Joseph); and his precious grandchildren Marley, Tansy, Xavier and Frédéric MacNeil. He is survived by his sister, Lois (Stephen) Trapp as well as his nieces and nephews: Cuyler, Bryden, Jake, Joey, and Rebecca. He was predeceased by father, Joseph; mother Margaret; brothers, Donnie and Bernie; uncle, Willie Kennedy, and sisters-in-law Maureen and Lorna.
Cyril was a career scientist, a man of principle with quick wit but also of great humility. Above all, he was a man of integrity, greatly admired and respected by his colleagues in the nuclear industry. He was the Laboratory Supervisor at the Canadian General Electric Heavy Water Plant in Point Tupper, from 1970 until 1977. Cyril joined New Brunswick Power as the Station Chemist for the commissioning, start-up, and operation of Atlantic Canada's nuclear power station at Point Lepreau. He was responsible for all aspects of chemical control including station materials and the environment. He recruited and mentored staff to carry out this chemical control. Cyril was a member of the Chemical Institute of Canada (MCIC), the Canadian Nuclear Society, National Association of Corrosion Engineers, and the New Brunswick Power Representative on the CANDU Owners Group technical committees with respect to Chemical Processes and Control and Material Behaviour of Pressure Tubes. He was a member of the New Brunswick Power 25 Year Club.
Cyril was devoted to his Christian faith and lived his faith in all aspects of his life. He was always engaged in many facets within the Catholic Church community. Cyril’s parish communities included St. Marks in Quispamsis, N.B. and St. Peters in Port Hood, NS. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus FM Lockary Assembly 0616 in Saint John, N.B. and the past Grand Knight of St. Peter’s Council 8275 in Port Hood.
Regardless which community Cyril resided, he was always actively involved. He was a past president of both the Port Hawkesbury Lions Club and the Gondola Point, N.B. Lions Club. Cyril also enjoyed Corvette sports cars. With other Corvette lovers in Saint John, he worked to form the Corvettes of Southern New Brunswick in 2000 and was a past president of the club. Cyril’s personal interests never hindered his involvement and took pride in his children's activities and accomplishments.
In 2004, Cyril retired from New Brunswick Power. Contract work within the nuclear industry took Cyril and Jeanette to countries such as Argentina, Romania, South Korea, China, and United States. With Jeanette, he built a home in Port Hood along the waters of St. George's Bay on Cape Breton Island where they enjoyed their retirement and their involvement in the community of Port Hood.
Sincere appreciation to the many doctors, nurses and staff at the Inverness Hospital, Cape Breton Regional Hospital and Halifax Victoria General. Heartfelt thank you to Lori Anne MacDonald who cared for Cyril with such compassion and patience.
Visitation will take place 2-4 and 7-9p.m. on Thursday, May 10th in Port Hood and Area Resting Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 11th at 11a.m. in St. Peter’s Church, Port Hood. Burial to follow in parish cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial donations in Cyril’s memory may donate to St. Peter’s Cemetery Fund, Central Inverness Palliative Care Society, or charity of choice.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
