Michael B. McNeil
Born In: Reserve Mines
Born: August 22nd, 1928
Passed in: North Sydney
Passed on: November 22nd, 2016
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Mike McNeil, age 88, long-time resident of Queen Street, North Sydney on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at his home. Born in Reserve Mines, on August 22, 1928, Mike was the son of the late John L. ‘Jack’ and Imelda (Hill) McNeil. Mike is survived by his children, Debi (Bill) Freeborne, Baddeck, Bruce (Elgin), Dartmouth, Michael, Shenacadie, Elaine (Bill) MacLean, Moncton, Lloyd, North Sydney, David (Shelley), Upper Tantallon and Joanne, North Sydney. Grandchildren, Connor, Daniel, Breton, Sean, Nathan, Anna and David Francis. He is also survived by one sister, Dolores Marsh, Reserve Mines. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving wife, Rose (Hawrylak) in 2014 and also by an infant granddaughter, Taylor; his infant brother, Douglas; his brother, Dave (Gubby) McNeil and his brother-in-law, Dave Marsh. Dad was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, North Sydney. As a young man, he worked at the coal pier at the Dosco Steel Plant in Sydney. Shortly after getting married, Mike and Rose moved to Corner Brook, Newfoundland for four years and always maintained that the friends they made there were life-long friends. Upon returning to North Sydney, Mike started selling insurance with Metropolitan Life. He then opened Remi’s Ltd and around the same time started a TV rental business. He then went on to work as a printer at the NS Eastern Institute of Technology and the Vocational School in Sydney. Mike was past president of the North Sydney Chamber of Commerce and a spokesperson for ‘Friends of Munro Park’. Dad cherished time with family and friends. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, carpentry and Irish music. Dad loved everything about Cape Breton, especially trips around the Cabot Trail.
At the request of the family there will be no visitation. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Joseph Church with Rev. Patrick O’Neill officiating. A reception will follow the funeral liturgy in the church basement. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.
In lieu of flowers, please take the opportunity to help another person with a kind gesture, good deed and a prayer. Online condolences to the family may be sent to: www.wjdooley.com.
