It is with tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of Patrick (Paddy) Gerard MacNeil. He was taken from us at just 51 years of age after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his father MWO Earle M. MacNeil of Glace Bay, NS and his mother Margaret F. MacNeil (Aylward) of Knight’s Cove, NL. Left to mourn are his sister Yvonne, Toronto, ON; step sister Carole Travis, Toronto ,ON; brothers: Donald (Eliza) Cobourg, ON, Glenn (Michelle) Harzelt, Germany and Brian Nanaimo, BC as well as nephews Keith, Scott (Nicole), George Savvopoulou and nieces Mandy Allen (Colby), Emilie and Myriam Boulanger-Godmaire and Joanne Mulholland, dear friend Bob Hartery, and his loyal beagles, Chester and Sparkles. Born in St John’s NL, Paddy apprenticed as a cook after graduating from Brother Rice High School. He cooked for a number of establishments in St John’s before leaving the island and cooking at several resorts on the mainland; most notably the CP Hotel in Lake Louise, Alberta. Not fond of snow and cold weather, Paddy moved to Toronto in 2002 where he landed what he considered his dream job in the kitchen at the Air Canada Centre where he happily worked until recently falling ill. When not cooking on the job, Paddy could often be found catering a meal for an event on behalf of his sister or a family friend or, on a whim, putting on a lovely spread for family and friends at his home. His passing has broken our hearts but we take strength from the character, honesty and courage he showed us throughout his life, particularly during his final battle. We wish to thank the nurses and attendants at the Toronto East General for their personal care.
Friends will be received at the Jerrett Funeral Home. 660 Kennedy Road, Toronto, ON on Saturday, August 4th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This will be followed immediately by a service at the same location from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Paddy’s behalf to the Toronto Humane Society, River Street, Toronto.