Gary MacNeil
Born: October 2nd, 1947
Passed in: New Waterford
Passed on: October 11th, 2014
It is with heavy hearts that we the family regret to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle Francis Gary MacNeil on Oct. 11, 2014, peacefully at home.
He was born on Oct. 2, 1947, eldest son of the late Francis and Geraldine (MacIsaac) MacNeil.
After graduating from N.S. Teachers College, Gary started his teaching career at St. Agnes Elementary where he spent 26 years. He taught at Breton Education Centre, at New Victoria School and finished at Greenfield Elementary. Gary was a much loved and respected teacher to many students over the years. He was always involved in extra-curricular activities at school. Some of his favourite pastimes were playing baseball, floor hockey, soccer, bowling, ice hockey, darts and basketball, but his passion was his love of music, especially his weekly jam sessions with the boys.
He was a past member of St. Agnes Parish Choir. Gary was rarely seen without his guitar in his hand and was always in demand at many a kitchen party.
Gary is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marion (Henry); sons, Craig (Charlene), Marc (Ashley); grandsons, Joshua, Brady, Benjamin MacNeil and granddaughter Robyn MacNeil and her two sisters Allie and Charlie; brothers, Joseph Clyde (Cheryl), Kevin (Darlene), Terry, all of Alberta, Ralph (Linda), Sheldon (Aleah), of New Waterford; sisters, Marilyn (David) Langlois, Sydney River, Colleen (Willie) Langlois, Heather (Paul) Carr, both of Halifax. Also surviving are sister in-law Pat Stamper; brothers-in-law, Gordon Henry, Richard MacDonald and by his lifelong friend Mike Kennedy.
Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his parents-in-law, Harold and Evelyn (Gillam) Henry, sister-in-law Paula MacDonald, brother in-law John Stamper.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 2-4 to 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass with be held Thursday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. in the Parish of Saint Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be held in St. Agnes Cemetery. There will be a luncheon to follow at the parish hall, Convent Street, New Waterford. All are welcome.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford.
Donations in Gary’s memory can be made to VON Cape Breton or a charity of one's choice. Family flowers only.
To send online condolences to the family go to: www.Mclellanfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank VON, Home Care workers and Palliative Care.
