Obituary of Bernard Hector MacNeil

Bernard Hector MacNeil age 93 of South Bar passed away peacefully, November 25, 2016 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, with his loving family by his side. Born in Low Point, he was the son of the late Daniel Hector and Irene (MacGillivray) MacNeil and was a longtime member of St. Alphonsus Parish. During WWII as a Merchant Mariner, Bernie made several trips across war torn seas. He was a proud member of the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association, the Cape Breton Naval Veterans Assoc., and The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 128 Whitney Pier. Post war he was employed by the Sydney Steel Corporation where he retired after 40 years. He was an avid gardener who raised livestock, and enjoyed sharing the bounty of his harvest with friends and neighbors. He was also a great cook and baker; his turkey dinners, prime rib, and pies were world class and enjoyed by many. He played a good game of cards and enjoyed the challenge of completing the daily New York Times Crossword Puzzle. Bernard will be sadly missed by his loving children, Bernadette (Gerard) Gillis, Bernie (Patsy), Marian (Doug), Frank, Wally (Lorna), Patricia, Jimmy, Blaise (Susan), Pauline and Greg (Tracey); grandchildren, Christine, Keith (Lisa), Stephen (Nicola), Brian (Amanda), Michael, Maureen (Kevin), Nichole (John), Kevin (Leslie), Matthew, Josh, Jessie, Hejira, Grace, and Sarah; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Alexa Mae, James, Bryce, Jaylee, Coraline; brother Greg (Dominion), and sister Eunice (Ontario). Bernie will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his parents, Bernie was also predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years Mary (MacGillivary), sisters Marie Ratchford, Edna LeBlanc, and Theresa Bell. Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from 6-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. The funeral mass of celebration will be 10 a.m Wednesday, November 30, in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, New Waterford with Father Paul MacGillivray officiating and Father Ray Huntley concelebrating. Interment will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Victoria Mines, with a luncheon to follow at St. Leonard's Parish Hall, 310 Convent Street, New Waterford. Memorial donations in Bernard's memory may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON). "St Joseph, patron saint of the family, pray for us who have recourse to thee Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca