Ralph Joseph McNeil
Lieu de naissance : Glace Bay, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de naissance : 5 janvier 1921
Lieu de décès : Glace Bay, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 28 juin 2009
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Ralph McNeil. Ralph passed away at home peacefully while surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 28, 2009.
Born in Glace Bay, Ralph was the eldest son of the late Ronald and Alice (Bramwell) McNeil.
A veteran of the Second World War, he served his country with the Canadian Signal Corps in Canada and Italy from 1940-1945.
Ralph attended St. Anthony and St. Anne schools in Glace Bay. In 1950, he graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a bachelor of science in geology and received two varsity letters for his athletic achievements in rugby and hockey.
Both Ralph and his brother John were great athletes and teammates throughout school. While growing up, Ralph took great pride in watching over his younger siblings.
After graduating, Ralph pursued a career as an exploration geologist in Northern Canada before returning to Cape Breton to start a family with his wife Anne. Ralph was dedicated to supporting his family; he worked for the Dominion Coal Company, became an adult vocational teacher and finished his career as a guidance counsellor with great respect from both students and colleagues. Ralph was a life-time member of Knights of Columbus and was also a member of the Canadian Legion, Branch 3.
Ralph is survived by his devoted wife, Anne of 53 years; and his six children, daughters, Jean, Glace Bay, Cathy (Darrell DesRoches), Miscouche; sons, Ralph Gerard (Janice), Calgary, Michael (Margaret), Toronto, Ron (Joan), Fort McMurray, Robert (Deanne), Mount Uniacke; 14 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. He also leaves to mourn his two sisters, Olive MacNeil and Mary Donahue, both of Glace Bay; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was recently predeceased by his brother, John and also predeceased by his parents and four siblings, who passed away in infancy, Clarence, Alice, Rhodina Marie and Catherine.
The wake will be held in the chapel at Curry’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 30 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 at Holy Cross Church, Glace Bay. Interment will follow in St. Anthony’s parish Cemetery.
Family flowers only. Donations may be made to a charity of choice.
