MacNEILL, JOHN AUSTIN HAVELOCK
November 23, 1930 - November 13, 2015
With great sadness, we share with you our loss. John Austin Havelock MacNeill died peacefully at ProTem special care home in Moncton on 13 November, 2015. John (“Junior”) was born November 23, 1930 in Newcastle, NB, cherished only child to the late Austin MacNeill of Dalhousie and Inez Copp MacNeill of Newcastle.
John enjoyed a happy and carefree childhood in the camaraderie of his cousins, who were more like brothers and sisters. He attended Harkins Academy and Rothesay Collegiate School. John apprenticed with the CNR in Moncton in 1949. After meeting the love of his life, Sadie Forsythe at a barn dance in the late 50's, the two were married in 1956 and began their life together in Sunny Brae, Moncton. Jack and Linda arrived in '57 and '60.
John, Sadie and Family enjoyed a lifetime of happy summers at Osokozy, the beloved cottage at Oak Point, on the Miramichi built by his parents in 1939.
Dad thoroughly enjoyed his work with the CN, his time on the derailment crew as a crane operator. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and belonged to the Keith Lodge, Moncton Lodge of Perfection, Britton Chapter (Rose Croix), Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Moncton Shrine Club, Luxor Temple and the Royal Canadian Legion – Sunny Brae #54.
He was a ready and able poppy seller and general handyman for the Sunny Brae Legion. Following his retirement from the CN in 1985, Dad happily took on a hobby job as a driver for Hertz. He took great pride in his four grandkids, their accomplishments, and shared in their love of their many pets and horses. For their 50th wedding anniversary, he and Sadie took the whole family to Scotland on holiday.
John is predeceased by his parents and his beloved Sadie. He is survived by Jack (Catherine) of Duncan, BC and 'Lindy' (Bill) Mayberry of Saint John, Grandchildren Thomas of North Vancouver, BC, Cydney MacNeill (Rob) of Nanaimo, BC, Sarah Mayberry of Toronto, and Allison Mayberry of Guelph. He will be missed by the extended Forsythe family and his big cousin, Joan Anderson.
John’s family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Forbes, the Staff, neighbours and friends at Camden Park Terrace, and finally Dad's wonderful Caregivers/’Crew’ at Pro Tem Special Care Home, Mountain Road. Their devotion to Dad, and Mom before him, will never be forgotten.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation at Fergusons Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995) on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Keith Lodge #23, F. & A. M. Memorial Service to be held on Tuesday at 12:45 pm at Fergusons Funeral Home. A Service to celebrate John’s life will be held at Fergusons Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 1:30 pm. Reception in the Funeral Home Reception Centre following the service. John will be interred at Miramichi Cemetery in the spring.
Family flowers only. Donations in Dad’s memory may be gratefully accepted by the Shriners Hospital for Sick Children or the Royal Canadian Legion National Poppy Trust Fund or charity of your choice.
Online condolences at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com