Obituary of Michael Charles McNeil

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Michael “Mike” Charles McNeil, who passed away on November 22, 2024, at age 79. Mike was born in Methlick, Scotland and grew up in North Sydney, NS. He lived his retirement years between Beaver Bank, NS and Boularderie, Cape Breton. He was the son of the late Malcolm Charles McNeil and Margaret MacNeil, nee Porter. Mike had a remarkable and multifaceted career working for the ice patrol, flying around the arctic, spending months on ice breakers in Northern Canada, and working as a Port Meteorological Officer in Newfoundland, before finishing his career as Manager of Marine Operations in Bedford, NS. In his retirement years, Mike was a member of the Royal St. George’s Society of Halifax and volunteered at the Ross Ferry Community Park. The essence of Mike, however, was his unwavering dedication to his family. He showed up at every practice, every game, and continued this tradition with his grandson. He was the first person to call if something went wrong, could fix anything, and always knew what to do. Mike loved tinkering away in his treasured garage and competing in the family Facebook “Wordle and Connections” group. Survived by his wife Donna, nee Knott, of 50 years, daughter Allison (Ultan), son Ian (Jacquie), two grandchildren Mason and Bridget, brother Jim (Lise), and sisters Irene (Ed) and Ann. Cremation has taken place; burial service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in George’s River, Cape Breton, on December 2, 2024 at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.