Fabian McNeil
Born In: Glace Bay
Passed in: Glace Bay
Passed on: December 31st, 2015
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving husband, father and grandfather, Fabian McNeil, age 80, of Glace Bay.
Fabe passed away on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, in the An Cala Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Joseph Daniel and Christina (McNeil) McNeil.
He was a devoted member of the former St. John’s Church and more recently St. Anne’s Church, both in Glace Bay and was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
After completion of high school in Glace Bay, Fabe was accepted at Normal College in Truro where he successfully attained his teaching license; he later went to St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, graduating with bachelor degrees in both arts and education. Working in our local school system for over 38 years, he taught at several schools and was appointed principal at McKay’s Corner School, Sterling School and Bridgeport School. He was later promoted to the position of Elementary Curriculum Supervisor, for Sydney and Glace Bay. While at work or at home, his whole life was focused around education.
While a member of St. John’s Church, he was very active as a reader, a member of their parish council and he was heavily involved in the establishment of St. John’s Camp, in Northside East Bay. Fabe was a member of the Glace Bay KOC, Council 1953 where he was a Past Grand Knight, and served on numerous committees. He also enjoyed his time spent as a volunteer greeter at our Glace Bay Hospital.
In his spare time he enjoyed golfing and bowling, he had a great sense of humour and a very quick and dry wit. He enjoyed most sports, watching old movies and he was an avid reader. He enjoyed travelling abroad but he also looked forward to weekend trips to Halifax where he would spend hours at Chapters, where he would always purchase several books and magazines.
Fabe will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 51 years Catherine (McMullin); daughter, Sheila (Eric) Caverzan, Sydney; grandson Nicholas and sister in-law Erma.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Roderick, Danny, Mick and John.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, in St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay with Fr. Leo Boone officiating. Interment will be at a later date in the parish cemetery.
Family flowers only; memorial donations in Fabian’s memory may be made to the Palliative Care Society or the VON.
Online condolences to the family are available through www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
