Nelson Patrick MacNeil
Born: March 17th, 1936
Passed on: December 8th, 2008
72, Alder Point It was the Lord's infinite wisdom that chose to end Nelson's courageous battle with cancer on Dec. 8, 2008, while surrounded by his large and loving family at his residence in Alder Point. Born in Alder Point on March 17, 1936, Nelson was the son of the late Neil and Evelyn (Pattengale) MacNeil. He was a parishioner of St. Anne's parish, Alder Point. Nelson was known to be a kind and generous man who married his soul mate "Beautiful Lorraine," and as a result of their union, raised a family of eight children. Throughout Nelson's childhood, he assisted his father as a lighthouse keeper on St. Paul's Island and Bird Island. At 21, he became assistant keeper to the Money Point light. He went on to work as a carpenter for many years in Ontario before returning to Cape Breton and the sea to fish. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 19 and a talented musician who shared his fiddle music with all. His family and friends will always miss his presence, although his memory makes them strong. Nelson is survived by his wife, Lorraine and his children, Freeman (Marilyn), Wayne (Carey), Denise (Dave), Theresa (David), Neil (Tammy), Robert (Sheila), Angie and John Alex; along with 22 grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Catherine (Hilary) Gracie. Visitation for Nelson MacNeil will be held in the J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main St., Sydney Mines, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral mass to celebrate his life will take place Friday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, Alder Point, with Fr. Peter MacLeod officiating. The burial will be in the parish cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in Nelson's memory may be made to the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be sent to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca.
