Obituary of Wilfred Jerome "Yomi" McNeil, Reserve Mines

Wilfred Jerome “Yomi” McNeil
Reserve Mines / Mira Gut

With treasured memories and hearts full of sadness, the family announce the passing of Wilfred Jerome “Yomi” McNeil, 83 on Friday, October 6, 2017after a lengthy battle with dementia.

Besides his parents, John Charles and Margaret (McDonald) McNeil, he was predeceased by brothers, Dee, Charlie, Leo, Melvin and sisters, Johnina, Mildred and infant sister, Katie.

He is survived by his sister, Renee Farnham, Hamilton, ON and brothers, Nash, Hamilton, ON, Boe (Florence), Coxheath, Jay, Sydney and Jerry (Teri Lyn), Dominion. He will also be sadly missed by many nephews and nieces.

Yomi was a long term employee of the Dominion Coal Company and Devco Coal Company and was known for his high quality work ethic and commitment to safety. Over the years Yomi mentored many young miners in the art of brushing.

Yomi was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 3, Glace Bay for 41 years. He was a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and a member of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, he served in Korea from 1953 to 1954. He was proclaimed an, “Ambassador for Peace” by the people and the Government of the Republic of Korea. The ambassador for peace medal was presented to Yomi as a special token of Korea’s sincere and enduring appreciation for his service in Korea to restore and preserve freedom, peace and democracy.

An avid Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs fan, he had an impressive knowledge of the players and team statistic. In his teen years, he played junior baseball with the Reserve Mines, St. Joseph ‘s club.
In addition to many years living in Reserve Mines, he also spent many years in Mira Gut and enjoyed life on the Mira. He was held in high regard and respected by his family, friends and the late Viola and Izzy Hyisky and their family.

In his earlier stages of Dementia, Yomi was a resident of Maple Hill Manor, New Waterford for several months. He was subsequently moved to Celtic Court in Sydney where he resided for the past three years.
The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the staff and management of both facilities for their compassionate, respectful, discrete and professional care provided during his difficult journey with dementia.
For those who wish, donations in Yomi’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Nova Scotia.

In honouring Yomi’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay.

A funeral mass celebrating Yomi’s life will be held on Monday, October 9th, at 11 am in St. Joseph’s Church, Reserve Mines with Fr. Norman Mac Phee officiating.

Interment will be held in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens at a later date. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca

Veterans and Legions members are asked to form an honour guard at the church on Monday for their departed comrade.