Francis A. 'Baker' MacNeil
Born In: Glace Bay
Born: April 24th, 1921
Passed in: Glace Bay
Passed on: October 26th, 2015
It is with a heavy heart that the family of Francis A. 'Baker' MacNeil announce his peacefully passing, surrounded by his family, on Monday, Oct. 26, 2015 at Taigh Na Mara.
Born in Glace Bay on April 24, 1921, Francis was the son of the late Alexander and Catherine (Brown) MacNeil. Francis is survived by his three children, Darlene (Larry) Snow, Alex (Cheryl) MacNeil and Bill (Melanie) MacNeil; his eight grandchildren, Tammy Snow, Michael (Janice) Snow, Katherine (Arthur) Howie, Douglas Snow, Tessa MacNeil, Samantha MacNeil, Matthew (Angela) MacNeil and Robynn MacNeil, 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and many great friends.
Francis was predeceased by his parents, brothers, Terence, Ronnie, Joe, Mike, Gussie, Roddie and sisters, Mary, Margaret, Lilly, Theresa and Rita. Francis was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
At the age of 21, Francis enlisted in the Second World War with the Canadian Grenadiers. While overseas Francis served as a tank operator. He returned in 1946. He then took a machinist course in Toronto and returned home to Glace Bay where he took a job with Syl Phalen Bakery where he delivered baked goods and where he earned the name 'Baker'.
In 1954 Francis joined the Glace Bay Police Force. He became the Deputy Chief of Police in 1976 and retired in 1987. Francis enjoyed golfing, boxing and played hockey for many years. He also achieved his 15 minutes of world fame for a part in the Hollywood movie “The Bay Boy”. He enjoyed spending time with his good friends Ronnie Martin, Billie Phillips and the late Leo Simmons, but most of all 'Baker' loved his family; his greatest memories were the times that he spent with his children and grandchildren. He spent his winter vacations in Florida playing golf, Christmas in Halifax with his son, Bill and his family, traveled to Alberta to be with his son, Alex and his family and many hours with his daughter, Darlene enjoying a cup of tea and lunch.
Francis was a great man to everyone he knew and will be missed by all those who knew him.
Special thank you to all the excellent and compassionate caregivers at Taigh Na Mara.
Visitation for Francis will be held Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 for 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Curry's Glace Bay Funeral Home, 775 Main St. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m on Friday at St. Anne's Church, Glace Bay with Fr. Leo Boone officiating. There will be a luncheon in the church foyer. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Taigh Na Mara or charity of choice.
Online condolences to the MacNeil family are available through www.currysfuneralhome.com.
