Peter Campbell MacNeil
Born In: Florence, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: November 13th, 1939
Passed in: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: December 6th, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Peter passed away Monday, Dec. 6, 2011, at the Northside General Hospital.
Peter was born to Mary Ann (MacMullin) and Neil MacNeil in Florence on Nov. 13, 1939, and spent his early years there. The family later moved to Sydney Mines where Peter and his siblings were raised.
Peter spent much of his working life as a firefighter at the Sydney Airport. A 26-year volunteer member of the Sydney Mines Fire Department, he served for a number of years as deputy fire chief. He was dedicated to serving his community and helped to establish the Sydney Mines Food Bank. He was a prominent member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Combined Christmas Cheer and the Matt Talbot Society. He was a life-long member of Immaculate Conception parish where he served as Eucharistic minister.
Peter is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elva (Pyke) and his children, Curtis (Glenna Romeo), Windsor Junction, Cheryl (Roy MacDonald), Karen Anne (Danny Laffin) and Liam (Anita Andrea), all of Sydney Mines. ‘Gramp’ will be sorely missed by his grandchildren, Garrett MacNeil, Chad, Peter, Laura Jane and Erin Dione MacDonald, Julianne, Bryden, Nadine Morrison and Danielle Laffin, Andrea, Breagh and Matthew MacNeil. Also surviving are siblings, Dan (Hope) MacNeil, Manitoba, Mary (Harold Landry), Georges River, Vaughnie (Jude Avery), Larry’s River, Elizabeth Lloyd, North Sydney, Theresa (Don Jessome), Saskatchewan, Audrey (Lawrence MacDougall), Sydney Mines, Sarah (John Lamond), Lower Sackville; and his sister-in-law, Cora (John) MacNeil, Manitoba. Peter will also be missed by his extended family, the MacNeil and Pyke nieces and nephews; numerous cousins, aunts, Uncle Michael (Doris); and many longtime friends.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Janes and John.
Peter was always ready with a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was dedicated to his family and his extended family and loved nothing more than a gathering of his family and friends. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and loved a good fiddle tune. Peter was most content at the ‘bungalow’ in Beaver Cove and sitting at the ‘shore’.
Visitation Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday at 11 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Peter McLeod officiating.
Donations may be made to the Sydney Mines Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul Society or Palliative Care.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca.
If ‘Da’ could leave a message of legacy, it would surely be “Hug your loved ones throughout your whole life and every chance you get”.
