John H. MacNeil

After a life well lived, on May 10th we said goodbye to our husband, father and papa, John Hector MacNeil. Dearly loved husband of Jean for 64 years, their love for each other was so special; amazing dad to Elaine Horvat (Ivan), Raymond MacNeil (Sandy) and Fiona MacNeil. Much cherished papa to Erik, Bobby (Jacque), Matthew, Danielle (Jake), Natasha, Brigitte and Alex. Special great-grandfather to Austin, Riley, Harmony, Hensleigh and Isaac. He also leaves behind his sister Eileen O'Flaherty, sisters-in-law Louise MacNeil, Finn MacNeil, Joanne Boudreau and brother-in-law Jimmy MacKinnon. Predeceased by his parents Hector and Mary-Anne MacNeil, brothers Mickey MacNeil and Francis MacNeil, sisters Dolena MacKinnon, Sadie Leudy and Agnes Boudreau, sister-in-law Ann Presti, brothers-in-law Arnie Leudy, Paddy O'Flaherty, Sonny Boudreau and Peter Presti. Also his baby grandson, John Arthur MacNeil will be with him in heaven. Loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews. The last few years have been difficult, dealing with our dads Alzheimers; we are so grateful for the care, compassion and love we all received from the staff at Grandview Lodge, Dunville. They were so good to all of us and it meant so much. Our dad lived a full, happy life. Always a proud Canadian, in his early years he joined the Armed Forces and was part of the Royal Canadian Regiment, peacekeeping in Germany. Later a member of the Legion; he proudly took on the role of Sergeant at Arms marching at the Cenotaph on every Remembrance Day, visiting schools in his uniform, giving out poppies so we never forget. He was a proud employee of Dofasco; retiring from there in 1992 and spending time in Nova Scotia, Florida, Acapulco, Myrtle Beach, his Trailer in Scotland, Ontario as well as traveling to Scotland and cruising the Caribbean. He loved attending everything from the meat draws at the Legion, Hamilton Tiger Cat games, cards with his friends, bowling, lawn darts, cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs; the list goes on and on, A Cape Bretoner always, his favourite place was Iona, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where our family spent most summers surrounded by family; we will all cherish the memories we made there. Family meant everything to him; he was a character and we all love him so much and will miss him. Be free dad. His family will receive friends at the Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Ave. E. on Friday, May 13th from 6-9 p.m. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be at Cresmount on Saturday, May 14th at 11 a.m. with cremation to follow. Online condolences can be made by visiting cresmountfennellchapel.com