Donald Pius MacNeil
Born In: Reserve Mines
We, the family, of the late Donald ‘Donnie’ Pius MacNeil regret to announce his passing at the home of his Aunt Agnes on Brookside Street, Glace Bay. A life-long resident of Reserve Mines, Donnie was the only child of the late Paula Clara (Bettens) and Pius MacNeil.
Donnie will be deeply missed by those who loved him.
Donnie is survived by godchildren, Ashley Timmerman and Hunter Bettens. He is also survived by Aunts, Simone Hayes, Andrea Bettens, Sue (Allan) MacQuarrie, Agnes MacPherson and Uncle, Jack (Catherine) Bettens and many loving cousins.
Besides his parents Donnie was predeceased by maternal grandparents, Zoe Deymere-Bettens and Honore Cyril Bettens, and paternal grandparents, Ma and John R MacNeil, as well as Aunts, Bertha (William) Frison, Annie Mae Kehoe and Margaret MacNeil, Uncles, Frank Bettens, Tom MacPherson, Alex, Ambrose, Duncan, Hector, Michael and Roderick MacNeil. He was also predeceased by his cousin Allan Bettens.
Donnie attended St. FX University where he received his bachelor of arts in 1971 and then his bachelor of education the following year. Returning to the community of Reserve Mines, he spent his education career teaching the children of his home community and will be fondly remembered for his compassion, gentle manner and love of teaching. For several years prior to his retirement, Donnie was proud to have served in the capacity of principal at Tompkins Elementary where he truly believed he had the best students and staff.
Donnie was a member of St. Josephs parish, Reserve Mines. He participated in many church activities and for a period of time he served on the parish council. Donnie had a strong sense of “community” and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He understood the value of volunteering and frequently assumed a role or task that was asked of him.
A person who truly believed in participation in the political process, Donnie was a life-long member of both the Provincial Progressive Conservative and Federal Conservative parties. Donnie served on the PC Provincial Executive and many other capacities in both organizations over a span of 35 years. He was truly appreciated across the province for his ‘spin’ and wit on the state of political affairs, comments of election readiness and will be sadly missed by the friends of his other family.
Memorials can be made to Cape Breton Hospital Palliative Care or St. Joesph’s Parish, Reserve Mines.
Visitation will take place Thursday, May 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Curry’s Funeral Home, 775 Main St., Glace Bay. Funeral is Friday, May 3 at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, Reserve Mines. The Rev Daniel Boudreau will be officiating. Burial at a later date in St Anthony's Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to www.jmcurryfuneralhome.com.
