It is with sad hearts that we, the five sons of Neil Scully, announce his death. Neil was born in Fredericton, April 8, 1925, the son of the late James Scully and Mary Anne Scully (King). He was predeceased by his cherished wife of 42 years, Clarinda Scully (Babin); best friend and brother, James Scully (Anne), Kitchener, Ont.; his loving sister, Mary Ann (Bob) Caverly, North Carolina, USA. He is survived by his youngest brother, Terry Scully (Marcella), Virginia Beach, USA. He is also survived by his five boys: Patrick (Aura); Danny (Rilla); Kevin (Nancy); Vincent (Wendy); Terry (Cindy), and by his eleven grandchildren: Evan, Kayla, Nicholas, Alexander, Neil, Kristen, Ian, Lee, Shae, Chanel, and Nika. Neil and his brother Jim, enrolled in the Navy in 1944, and Neil was assigned to the HCMS Huntsville, a Castle Class Corvette which was part of the convoy patrols in the North Atlantic. His triangular patrol route was from NFLD to Ireland to New York. After his discharge from the Forces, Neil began working for his father James as a labourer in the bridge department with the government. Over a period of sixteen years, he worked his way up to Bridge Superintendent and continued to excel in this position for the last twenty-six years of his career. Neil was very active in community service as a member of the Knights of Columbus in Rexton, the Club d'age d'ore in Richibucto, The Rexton Lions Club, The Richibucto Legion, The Rexton Recreation Council, and regularly attended the Immaculate Conception Church in Rexton where he had sat on council for several years. Neil had a deep love of sports but his passion was hockey as he coached many teams over the years. He drove the neighbourhood boys to and from games and practices on a regular bases, and often invited whole teams into his home to feast on his beloved's home made fries. He coached the Female Flyers for several years, which was the first all female team in the Kent Region. He was respected by many and was loved for his keen sense of fair play and integrity. Neil was a member of the first old-timers hockey team in Richibucto and worked closely with Wabbo to get the first Jr. B Team established in the area. Although he was an avid fan of the Habs, he would never admit it openly to us until recently, for fear of reprisal from the even greater fan of the Maple Leafs, his wife. Neil was employed by the Department of Transportation for 46 years, thirty as a Bridge Superintendent, constructing and replacing bridges throughout New Brunswick. After his retirement, he worked as a consultant for several companies, troubleshooting major problems with bridge construction and bridge replacement. His knowledge and work ethic gained him wonderful notoriety within the engineering community of the province. Neil had a strong sense of community service and of the family dynamic. He was our stone of granite that could most always solve any problem at hand. His home was a drop in for community children and he and his wife would often wake up in the mornings to discover several sleeping bodies in various parts of their small house. Everyone was fed and made to feel welcome in his home. He was a kind man who had a softness for lost souls, and took several local boys under his wing. He was a father figure and a firm guide to these boys, and helped greatly in their career choices. He always felt that with a bit of compassion and love, any person would have hope for a good future. He certainly proved his theory on many occasions. As with all things in life, time steals away those precious moments, and those whom we cherish most within our hearts. Children grow and move on, the rock begins to wither and ware to the challenges of life. Surrounded by his boys, he peacefully passed away. It was his job to build bridges, but his destiny to work with his father James, building the Rexton Bridge. For destiny brought him to his one true love, who he met at the local boarding house in Rexton, Clarinda Scully (Babin). He lost her suddenly twelve years ago, and was a lonely soul for all these years. He learned to wash his clothes, do the dishes, clean the floors and even to cook the odd thing; yet, at family meals the conversation always gravitated back to her, and how much he missed her. Today Dad, you've built your final bridge that has reunited you to your wife, our mother, and we know that you are both where you have always been- two hearts and one soul. We would like to send our most gracious thank you to Sharon MacDonald and all the wonderful Staff of the Rexton Lion's Nursing Home who made our dad feel safe and comfortable during his stay. Thank you to Dr. McCleave, for all the years of excellent care of our father. We also want to thank the Intensive Care Staff of the Moncton City Hospital, and Dr. Gallant, for their support and understanding during this most sensitive time. Your excellent mixture of professionalism and compassion was most appreciated.
Resting at Thompson's Funeral Home, Richibucto with visitation on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9, Wednesday at 9:00 am until departure for the funeral. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 at 11:00 am, Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Rexton. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Donations may be made in Neil's memory to the Rexton Lions Nursing Home Education Fund or Eleanor W. Graham Middle School Breakfast Program and would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements in care of Thompson's Funeral Home, Richibucto (523-4252), www.thompsonsfuneralhome.com