Obituary of John Henry McNeil

It is with sadness the family announces the passing of John Henry McNeil, formerly of Water Street, Westville on June 08, 2009 at the Northumberland Veterans Unit, Pictou, Born in Westville April 03, 1925, John was the son of the late Robert Henry and Gertie (Wright) McNeil. John is survived by his wife of 62 years Ella (Facey) McNeil; daughter Marilyn (Sandy) Stephenson, New Glasgow; daughter Lee (Tim) Cleveland, MacLellans Brook; son Johnny (Jessie Burke), Westville; two grandsons, Todd (Danielle) Stephenson, Halifax and Aaron (Tracey) Stephenson, Riverview, NB; two great-grandsons Nathan and Benjamin Stephenson, Riverview, NB; sisters, Edith Schenk, Torrington, Connecticut; Lorraine Muirhead, Westville; Doreen (Larry) Briggs, Pointe Claire, Quebec; brother Joseph (Barb), Port Frank, Ontario; brother-in-law, Herb Stewart, Gloucester, Ontario; and sister-in-law, Gloria McNeil, Dartmouth. John is also survived by several nieces and nephews. John was pre-deceased by a son Garry in infancy; sister Elsie; brothers, Edison (Bud) and Willard (Butch); sister-in-law Gwen McNeil; brothers-in-law, Frank Schenk and Lawrence Muirhead. John is also survived by his extended family and guardian angels at the Northumberland Veterans Unit, Pictou who gave him such wonderful care, compassion and friendship during his stay there since January 31, 2001. He had a special bond with his "bud" Dennis Chipman and his unit nurse, Kara Taylor. John served with the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War in England, Belgium, Holland and France and was with the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division when they landed at Juno Beach on D-Day, June 06, 1944. John worked for the CNR for 34 years before retiring. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing and spending time at his camp at Dryden Lake and his cottage at Browns Point, Pictou. He was an avid curler with the Westville Curling Club winning many trophies and awards. He also had a passion for harness horse racing. John was a member of Branch 35 RCL Westville; Branch 28 RCL Stellarton: Normandy Veterans Association and North Nova Scotia Highlanders Memory Club. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be Friday, June 12, 2009 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm at the Eagles Funeral Home, Westville, NS. The Royal Canadian Legion will conduct a service at 6:30 pm. Friday at the Funeral Home. A private family committal will be held at a later date. Family flowers only please. Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Northumberland Veterans Unit, Pictou or a charity of one’s choice. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. On-line condolences to the family may be sent to www.eaglesfuneralhome.ca