Obituary of John Maurice MacNeil

MACNEIL, John Maurice “Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence" - Desiderata Our world is a darker place for the passing of John MacNeil (88), of Dartmouth, NS. After a courageous battle with Parkinson’s, he peacefully passed away on July 19, 2023, at Dartmouth General Hospital. John was born in 1935, on the family farm in Barra Head, Cape Breton, NS, to Ernest and Mary Mathilda (Boudreau), where he grew up with his seven siblings. While studying at St. FX University, John earned his private pilot’s license and went on to many jobs from Newfoundland to Ontario. He met Audrey, the love of his life, and they settled in Ontario, where they both worked and raised their family. “Saint John” (as he was known by his dear neighbours, the Brownes), worked at Ford Motor Company for 34 years, packed his lunch, and never complained about shift work or any part of it. John played industrial hockey in Sudbury, then, in Oakville with the “Oldtimers”, and was one of the most graceful skaters you might ever see on the ice. He loved a good game of golf, in Florida, Cape Breton, Ireland, or wherever he was. His children never heard him raise his voice, except for that one time, when they were in their 20s, at the golf course, when he shouted “FORE!” John loved nature and all creatures, and he could never learn enough about them. He made great efforts to visit all provincial and national parks, with his family. So many wonderful memories were made. He loved east coast fiddle music, playing cards, meeting the boys for coffee, and dining out with all of his wonderful circle of friends. John wouldn’t boast, but he was a whiz at Suduko puzzles, crosswords, and Jeopardy, and he could quote all manner of limericks, puns, and Dad jokes. John was a devout Catholic, and a member of the Knights of Columbus in Burlington, and St. Peter’s. John leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly 57 years, Audrey (Pottie). Also, his son, Lloyd (Jennifer), of Los Angeles, CA, his daughter, Dawn, of Waterdown, ON, and his daughter, Melanie (Bobby), of River Bourgeois, NS. Grampy will be forever missed by his two grandchildren, Lewis and Maggie. John is also survived by his siblings: Sister Veronica MacNeil, of Antigonish, Helen MacDonald (John, deceased), of Soldier’s Cove, Rose DiPersio (Bruno, deceased) of St. Peter’s, and Blaise MacNeil (Claire), of Craigmore. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Margaret and Judy (Fraser Burke), as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his infant sister, Bernadette, his sister, Mary Mombourquette (Alex), and his brothers, Leo, and Joseph. Family and friends knew Johnny as a gentleman and a gentle man; caring and kind, never judgmental, impossibly patient, with a generous spirit, and a soft heart. His family is grateful for the tireless support and care provided by Dr. Nag Sannidhanam (family doctor) and the Palliative Care staff at Dartmouth General Hospital. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation, by request. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, in River Bourgeois, CB, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 1 pm, with Father Yake officiating. Burial to follow in St. John the Baptist Parish Cemetery, River Bourgeois. A reception will be held following the burial at the Lions Hall in St. Peter's. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dartmouth General Hospital Palliative Care Unit or a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home Ltd., in Arichat. Tributes, words of comfort, and memories of John may be shared with the family at: www.chboudreau.com