Obituary of Pius Marcellinus MacNeil

It is with a deep sense of sadness and loss that we announce the passing of Pius M. MacNeil, a beloved family man, friend and sports enthusiast. Pius passed very peacefully, at 59 years old, surrounded by his family, on October third after a courageous battle with cancer. Pius was born in Sydney but grew up and was raised in Iona. He was the son of the late F.X. and Catherine (Honey) MacNeil. He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda (Witzell), son, Justin, daughter, Jessica, stepdaughters, Angela MacNeil (TJ Drysdale) and Amanda Rattie (Brent). He is also survived by his sisters, Sharon and Marguerite, his brother, F.X. Jr and his twin brother, Paul (Stacy) with whom he shared a special bond of love and friendship. Lastly, he is survived by his grandchildren, Roman, Noah and Ethan, several nieces and nephews, as well as his furry companion, Missy. As well as his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Louise Redden, sister-in-law, Gail MacNeil and brother-in-law, Ray Souchereau. Pius graduated from Rankin Memorial School in Iona, and then went on to St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, where he graduated with his teaching degree in Physical Education. He taught briefly at various schools in Cape Breton, but the majority of his teaching career was spent between Waycobah First Nation, where he made many lifelong friends, and Rankin School of the Narrows in Iona. He always spoke very highly of colleagues, and of his students. He had a special bond with his carpool friends, who shared many laughs and good times on their travels to and from work. Pius loved sports. He was a competitive ball player, who, according to himself could race anyone from home plate to first base. He participated and coached various teams and individuals. As well as valuing the life lessons that sports can teach young people as they go through their formative years. It must be mentioned that his dedication to the Toronto Maple Leafs was unwavering, and that his love of baseball hung on the Blue Jays. Special thank you to the staff on 8A at Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, and the staff on 4D at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Pius spent a lot of time under the amazing and compassionate care of staff at both hospitals. Pius will always be remembered as a man who loved his family, friends and colleagues, and loved God. Pius always jokingly referred to himself as, “a fine physical specimen”, and now that his battle with cancer is over, he will be again in Heaven. Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure, You are loved beyond words, Missed beyond measure. Cremation has taken place under the care the direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 9, 3-6pm at St. Barra’s Parish Hall in Iona. Funeral will be held Thursday, October 10, 11am, at St. Columba Church in Iona, reception to follow. Interment following the funeral. Family flowers only please. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.