Obituary of James Roy McNeil, New Waterford

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother and friend, James 'Roy' McNeil. He died peacefully on Jan. 18, 2020, in good hands, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit at the age of 68. Roy was born on May 9, 1951 to the late Bella McMullin. He was raised by the late Anne Mae and Dan McNeil. At the age of 16, Roy became a hairdresser. In the early 1970's, he decided to study at the Holy Apostles College and Seminary in St. Louis. When his father became ill, he came home to help his mom look after him. When Dan, his dad, passed away, Roy started working at Fortress of Louisbourg and everyone knew him as Father Isadore. He worked at a job he loved for 41 years. He will be greatly missed by his brother, John (Brenda) Helle; many good friends, Carman and Debbie Hughes, Suzanne Hughes, Rose and Nick McPherson (godson), Brenda MacKenzie, Diane Boudreau (co-worker), Francis and Wes Taylor, Carson and Rudy (Mary) Mullins to name a few; many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Germaine (John) Durdle. Roy was one of the kindest and caring human beings that God put on this earth and God has now taken him home. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23 from 6-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place on Friday, January 24 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Plummer Ave., New Waterford. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice/Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.