James MacNeil
Passed in: North Sydney
Passed on: January 13th, 2014
James Vincent MacNeil died peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2014, at the Northside General Hospital, North Sydney.
Vince grew up in a close and loving family in the community of Bras d’Or. He was the son of the late James A. MacNeil and Mary Catherine
MacDonald.
He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Colleen (MacCormack); son, James (Bernadette) Bras d’Or, daughter Marybeth (Kevin) Walker, Inverness; seven grandchildren, Haley, Brennan and Kate MacNeil and Megan, Emily, Laura and Kevin Walker. Also surviving are brother, Fr. Sandy MacNeil, Sydney; sisters, Catherine Sutton, Bras d'Or and Sister Millie MacNeil, CND, Sydney; sisters-in-law, Elaine Schmid, Delores Starzomski, Heather Fraser and Lisa Raitt; brother-in-law, Daniel MacCormack and the late
Colin MacCormack.
Vince was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School, Halifax. He was also a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with family and friends. Vince was by nature a quiet, discreet man. As an astute businessman integrity, generosity and deep respect for the person were hallmarks of his lived experience.
After graduation from university, Vince worked at the steel plant general office. He then assumed his father’s business Alex MacNeil and Sons, Bras d’Or. In 1970 Vince established and operated MacNeil’s Motel where it was his delight to meet the many patrons from various places and cultures. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and sailing his boat on the Bras d’Or Lakes.
Vince was a contributor to his church and community. He served on the New Deal Community Development Board, the Harbourview Hospital Resident Council Board and was a strong supporter of the Fish and Game Association.
Visitation for Vince will be Friday, Jan. 17 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. A mass to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Bras d’Or, with Fr. Sandy MacNeil officiating followed by a luncheon at the parish hall, Bras d'Or.
Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harbour View Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines.
Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Vince’s family by visiting www.francisfuneralhome.ca.
