Martin Bernard ‘Bernie’ MacNeil
Sydney

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and brother, Bernie MacNeil on Sunday April 12, 2009 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Sydney, on January 2,1947, he was the loving son of the late Malcolm J. and Christena (MacKenzie) MacNeil of Benacadie Pond.
He attended Rankin Memorial High School in Iona and continued on to graduate from N.S.I.T. in Halifax with his mechanical trade. A career he excelled at and loved so dearly. He was employed at the former Steel City Sales for over 20 years followed by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality in the mechanical department up until 1998 when he retired. He will be remembered for his strength and courage through his recent battle with esophagus cancer.
He was a member of Holy Redeemer Church in Whitney Pier. The summer season would find Bernie in Benacadie Pond, his little piece of heaven, overlooking his freshly cut lawns, the still waters of the pond and the sunsets, listening to his celtic music. He was an avid reader, a Chicago Blackhawks fan, and loved his crib games with his family and many friends whose lives he has touched forever. He was a true gentleman with a gentle soul and a kind word for everyone.
Bernie is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Margaret ‘Peggy’ (MacDougall); two daughters, Amy, Halifax and Mindy, Sydney; his cherished grandchildren (twins), Riley and Emma. Also surviving are brothers, Michael and John, Benacadie Pond, and sisters, Adeline Gillis, Walpole, Mass., Anne MacNeil, West Roxbury, Mass., Florence (Leo) MacDonald, East Bay, Helen (George) Williams, Norton, Mass. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Catherine MacDougall, Sydney. He is deeply loved and will be sadly missed by his nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Bernie was predeceased by brothers, James and Malcolm, brother-in-law, Duncan Gillis, and father-in-law Michael MacDougall.
Visitation will be held Tuesday April 14, and Wednesday April 15 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the S.W. Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney.
Funeral mass will take place 2:00 p.m. Thursday April 16, 2009 at Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier with Father Errol MacDonald officiating.
In honoring his wishes, cremation will follow with a private family interment to take place at a later date in St. Barra Cemetery, Christmas Island.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the I.W.K. Children’s Hospital Foundation, or charity of choice.
“ You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments that you have really lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.”
Henry Drummond
Online condolences may be sent to our webpage at www.chantfuneralhome.com
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of…

Hommages

• John D. Steele’s & Sons LTD. Monument Manufacturers
  902-794-2713
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• Thoms Flowers
  902-849-8989
  Site Web