Lawrence (Lonnie) MacNeil
Born: June 1st, 1935
Passed on: July 19th, 2017
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Lawrence (Lonnie) MacNeil, age 82, on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at the Northside Guest Home with his family at his side. Although he will be sorely missed by his family and friends, we take comfort knowing that he is united with his Lord.
Lonnie was born on June 1, 1935 to the late Lawrence and Mary Catherine (Kathleen) MacNeil. A loving and devoted family man, Lonnie had an unyielding devotion to God, his family and his roots.
At the age of 17 years he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Navy to serve his country. He was employed with Sydney Steel, Devco, and later travelled to various jobs throughout Canada as a member of the Millwright's Union in which, even after retirement, he was a very active member; always supporting his fellow union brothers. Although he visited many provinces, countries and continents throughout his life, there was no other place but his Cape Breton home.
Lonnie was a professional and Golden Gloves boxer, and throughout his life he dedicated much of his time sharing his love of this sport by coaching the youth of his community. He also loved to skate, dance and socialize.
Lonnie will be sadly missed by his children, his adoring daughter, Cathy (Frank) Sentance ,Ontario; sons, Lonnie (Nancy) MacNeil, George's River, Michael MacNeil, Ontario and his special boy, Kevin MacNeil, North Sydney.
He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Maria, Billy, Kyle, Jackie, Katrina and Justine; five great grandchildren; sisters, Theresa (Ted) Andrea, Halifax, Kay Hicking, Truro and Sally (Jim) Sampson, Millville; brothers, Joseph (Donna) MacNeil, Sydney Mines and Danny (Debbie) MacNeil, Sydney Mines; sisters-in-law, Betty and Connie MacNeil, Edie Foster, Mickey Bushnick, Joan Hurley (Lawrence) and Verna (Cameron) MacNeil; brothers-in-law, Rickey (Gloria), Brian and Brady (Maura); many nieces and nephews, and life-long best friend, Walter Stewart.
Besides his parents, Lonnie was predeceased by sons, Jack and Ryan MacNeil; wives, Shirley (Richards) Clarke and Patricia (Brady) MacNeil; brothers, Bobby, Jack and Norman; brothers-in-law, George Hicking and Joseph Richards, and sisters-in-law, Nanda MacNeil, Cathy Brady, Marie Barber, Shirley Adams and Theresa Baily.
Visitation will take place Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 7-9 p.m. at JM Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main St., Sydney Mines. A Funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held Monday, July 24 at 2 p.m. in Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines with Fr. James Oliver officiating.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Dr. Eugene Ignacio (Danielle), Susan Abeheimer and the staff of the Northside Guest Home for their excellent care, dedication and support for both Lonnie and his family.
Words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Society.
