Malcolm Stephen 'Maxie' MacNeil
Born In: Highland Hill Iona
Born: September 21st, 1927
Passed in: Baddeck
Passed on: February 26th, 2015
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our father, Malcolm Stephen 'Maxie' MacNeil, at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck, on Thursday Feb. 26, 2015, after a very brave battle with cancer.
Born in Highland Hill, Iona, on Sept. 21, 1927, he was the son of Dan Angus and Katie (MacCormick) MacNeil.
In 1948, he left home for Ontario, working in Sudbury and on the Lake Boats but settled in Toronto, working for Canada Millwrights Ltd. until 1974.
Upon returning to Highland Hill, with his family in 1976, he set up a sawmill. He had great respect for his land and was voted the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owner of the Year in 1994.
He was a very well-known Gaelic singer and promoted Gaelic Milling songs throughout the Island and as far away as Vancouver at Expo '86. He was a longtime member of the Iona Gaelic Singers and loved to encourage any newcomer to come to the table and try a song.
He was deeply proud of his heritage and his own ancestors, passionately documenting their pictures and stories for future generations. He was a well-respected member of the community who belonged to many organizations over the years including the Nova Scotia Highland Village, Clan MacNeil and the Board of Trade.
He is survived by his son, Bill MacNeil, Iona and his daughter, Susan (Jim) MacFarlane, Southwest Margaree; his son-in-law, Lorne Carabin, Glace Bay and his grandchildren, Colin MacFarlane and Sara, Abby and Olivia Carabin, and by his sister, Anne Turner, Whitby, Ont. and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his dog, Betty.
He was predeceased by his wife, Joan and his daughter, Debbie Carabin; his brothers, Charlie and Michael John (in infancy); sisters, Effie Morrisey and Kaye MacNeil.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. on Sunday, March 1st at the St. Columba Parish Hall, Iona, with funeral on Monday, March 2nd at 11 a.m. at the St. Columba Church with Fr. Antolin Asor presiding, burial to following in the parish cemetery, followed by a lunch at the Iona Legion, Branch 124.
We would like to thank the staff of the Baddeck hospital for the wonderful care they provided, as well as the staff at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.
Donations may be made to the St. Columba Cemetery Fund or to a charity of your choice.
"Cha bhi e fada a nis." (It won't be long now)
