It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dad, John S. MacNeil of Glace Bay. He passed away Tuesday morning, April 14, 2009, at the Glace Bay Health Care facility.

Born in Glace Bay, John was a son of the late Ronald and Alice (Bramwell) MacNeil. A veteran of the Second World War, he served his country from 1940-45 in Canada and Italy as a captain in the Highlanders with the Canadian Signal Corps. He served in the local militia from 1952-1976 reaching the rank of major. He was a member of Branch 40 Legion in Passchendale and Branch 3 Legion of Glace Bay.

He was a member of the KOC in Glace Bay achieving his fourth degree and served as past Grand Knight.

John was educated in St. Anthony and St. Anne schools and St. Francis Xavier University graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree and Bachelor of Education. He received a varsity letter awarded for athletic achievement. He and his brother, Ralph, were well known for their sports skills in rugby and hockey, while in school and university.

He taught junior high at St. Anthony’s School in Passchendale for a number of years and became principal of Holy Cross School in 1962 until his retirement in 1986 after teaching for 35 years. He was an avid sportsman and coached common school minor hockey for many years.

He was a parishioner of St. Anthony’s parish, Passchendale, where he served on the parish council and finance committee for many years. He also served his parish as a reader and Eucharistic minister. He will also be remembered for his work and belief in the credit union movement. He helped establish and manage the credit union in Passchendale on Emery Street for several years.

John is survived by his loving family, daughters, Gwen Martell (Reg), Port Morien, Marie Young (Tommy), Mira; sons, Jack MacNeil (Marlane), Glace Bay, Paul MacNeil (Ruth), Oshawa, Ont.; 10 grandchildren, Michelle, Donkin and Mark Martell (Andrea), Mineville, Dartmouth, Allison Hickey (Tommie), Halifax and Lindsay MacNeil, Glace Bay, Steven (Bethany) Young, Alberta and Laura Young, Mira, Michael and Ryan MacNeil, Glace Bay, Emma and Brooke MacNeil, Ontario; three great-grandchildren, Matthew Martell, Donkin, Jordyn and Kaylee Hickey, Halifax. He also leaves to mourn, his two caring sisters, Olive MacNeil and Mary Donahue, both of Glace Bay; brother, Ralph (Anne) MacNeil, Glace Bay and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was a gentle soul, who loved sports, music, reading and a good party. He and mom loved to dance up a storm in their hay day and we are sure they are once again dancing the two step to the music of the angels in Heaven.

Dad was predeceased by his parents and the love of his life, his wife of 56 years, Annie Aucoin and an infant son, John. Also in infancy brother, Clarence and sisters, Alice, Marie and Catherine MacNeil; five uncles and seven aunts.

He will be sadly missed by his loving family and caring friends, especially Theresa and Debbie. 

Visitation will be held Friday, April 17, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Curry’s Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay, where the KOC will gather for prayers at 7:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2009, in St. Anthony’s Church, Glace Bay, with Fr. Conrad Edwards officiating.

Interment will be in Forest Haven Cemetery. A reception will be held in the parish hall after the funeral.
Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association or to a charity of your choice.

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