McNEIL, Michael Robert – 39, Canadian Forces Base, Petawawa, Ontario, formerly of Truro, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2013, in Petawawa. Born March 6, 1974, in Windsor, Nova Scotia, he was a son of Michael and Carolyn (Sanford) McNeil, Truro. Michael served this country with The Canadian Armed Forces and was currently a Warrant Officer in the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. He was the Recce Platoon Warrant Officer and also served as a parachutist and leader in M Company. He had two tours to Afghanistan, one to Croatia and one to Bosnia. Michael’s commitment and dedication made him a top soldier. WO Michael McNeil was highly regarded by his comrades as a true professional who led by example. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and skiing. Along with his parents, Michael is survived by his children, Raianne, Ethan, Emma and stepson, Nicholas Simms; sister, Janet McNeil, Truro; brother, Kevin McNeil, Vancouver; maternal step grandfather, Norman Hart, Windsor; several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and Military family whom he truly loved. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ellen McNeil in infancy; maternal grandparents, Harold and Myrna (Hart) Sanford; paternal grandparents, Robert and Margaret (Pritchett) McNeil; and fallen comrade and cousin whom he served with, Frank Robert Mellish. Visitation will be held at the Truro Armouries, 125 Willow Street, Truro, Nova Scotia, from 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, December 4, 2013, from where the funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, December 5, 2013. Interment in Masstown Cemetery, Masstown Road, Masstown. Family flowers only. If so desired, donations in Michael’s memory to Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Poppy Fund or Military Family Fund are welcomed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Michael’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com