Sydney Forks
We regret to announce the peaceful passing of J. R. MacNeil (John Robert) on Friday, October 16, 2020 in the An Cala Unit of Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney with his loving family by his side.
J.R. was born in Sydney to the late John James and Catherine Anne MacNeil on February 15, 1948, he was the third child in a family of seven children. There was no shortage of fun and shenanigans growing up on Muggah Street in Whitney Pier. He was a devout member of Holy Redeemer Church and later was also a member of Lady of Fatima Parish.
As a kid, J.R. had a passion for comic books and could often be found stacking the latest editions at Joe Brooks’ store.
J.R. went to work at the Sydney Steel Plant straight from high school where his diligent work ethic became extremely evident. He always put 110% into his job and eventually became General Foreman of the Open Hearth and later the Electric Arc Furnace until Sydney Steel closed its doors.
J.R. met the love of his life and his “God Send”, Bonnie (nee Campbell) at the dance at St. Joe’s. He asked her to dance and the rest is history. They never shied away from a card game and had so much fun with their good-spirited competitiveness. She was the yin to his yang and always kept him grounded. She was his care and support until J.R.’s final moments.
At one-point J.R. owned Triple M Video in Whitney Pier with his brothers and sisters. This was a huge part of our family, for several years, and really influenced his love of movies, especially old war, history, and western.
J.R. was an avid bowler in his younger years and thoroughly enjoyed his crossword puzzles. He completed almost every one right up to his final moments. (“Adam Smith” Dad.)
As a notorious prankster, J.R. would do anything in his power for a laugh or a scare. As many of us have felt his wrath when he would hide by the basement stairs and jump out to scare the living daylights out of us.
J.R. lived and died by his favourite motto “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”. This motto is evident from having the soundest structured 2×6 beams when building the family home at 69 Schaller Drive. For most, a 2 x 4 was sufficient but not for J.R. He had an incredible passion for building and fixing things and a tool room (ie., the entire basement) that Bob Vila would envy.
His highly proudest accomplishment was his three girls, Colleen, Truro, Laura (Ryan), Ottawa, and Sheryl (Shaun), Sydney. J.R. passed on his love for baking (especially pies) and eating sweets. He instilled in them an extremely strong work ethic, to live their lives with the utmost integrity and a drive to always do their best. “If you can get a 95 you can get 100!”
J.R. was also the best Poppie in the whole world to his beautiful grandchildren whom he loved to the moon and back; Claire, Kallen, Billie, Rosie and his two step-grand children, Madi and Clara. He loved playing jokes with them, taking them out to eat, and he was always up for an ice cream. They were his pride and joy.
Besides his parents, J. R. was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law, Angus and Evangeline Campbell; sisters, Sandra Smith and Loretta McNeil; one brother, David MacNeil; two sisters-in-law, Diane MacNeil, Viney Hanna and one brother-in-law, Dave McNeil.
J.R. is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of 48 years and three daughters, Colleen, Laura and Sheryl; as well as his six grandchildren mentioned above. He is also survived by brothers, Ronnie MacNeil and Paul (Debbie) MacNeil; sister-in-law, Colleen MacNeil; sister, Cathy (Peter) Urquhart; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Dad, we hope you are sitting up there in the most comfortable lazy boy chair possible in front of the biggest flat screen tv there is, remote in hand and a big piece of chocolate cake with boiled frosting (or a caramel apple pie) on your plate. Love always, your girls. Mwah Rawr.
Visitation for the late J.R. MacNeil will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street), Whitney Pier from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Donations in memory of J.R. may be made to the An Cala Palliative Care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
“The Finest Man on Schaller Drive!”
Online Condolences
Shaun, Sheryl and family, we are very sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.
From: Kelly and Troy Baldwin
My deepest sympathy on the passing of JR. my thoughts and prayers are with you in these days.
From: Robin (Jewer) Cory
So sorry Bonnie to hear of your husband’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your girls
From: Tina Leblanc Gillis
So sorry Bonnie. I will be praying
From: Margaret Nichols- Mac Adam
Bonnie, Girls and family,
So very sorry to hear of JR’s passing, may he rest in peace.
From: Ed & Jean Gillis
Dear Bonnie and family,
I was very sorry to read about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless
From: Diane Kendall
Bonnie and Family , Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear husband and father. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this truly sad and difficult time. May your wonderful memories give you strength and comfort.
From: Diane and Jim Davis
Bonnie and family please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of a JR
From: Pat & Jim Gillis
Bonnie , I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have gone through a horrible time but He is God’s hand now and You can be at peace. My prayers go out to you
From: Myrna Brown
Dearest Bonnie and family, we are so shocked to hear of JR passing. So many fond memories of our times together , it feels like just yesterday that we were all young and at parties. My heart is broken to hear of another friends passing.. May God Bless you Bonnie and family .Thinking of you in the days ahead, take care. Jen and Cyril Thomas
From: Jennifer
Dear Bonnie and family,
Our sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Treasure the memories, they will remain forever in your hearts.
From: Cathy and Tim Tiller
Bonnie & Family..OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL ON THE PASSING OF J.R..CHARLIE ENJOYED WORKING WITH HIM AT THE PLANT..HE’LL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR ALL HIS COMEDY &WIT…GOD BLESS.
From: CHARLIE & ALICE BURKE..INNISFAIL ,ALBERTA
Sincere condolences Bonnie..thinking of you & your family during this terrible time…may J.R. Rest In Peace…
From: Kay Le Blanc Mac Donald
To the Macneil family: so sorry to hear of J.R.’s passing. Marilyn Clarke
From: Marilyn Young
We are so sorry for your loss and send you Bonnie and your family our prayers and heart felt sympathy.
From: Paul and Blanche Yurchesyn and family
So very sorry to hear of the passing JR. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Bonnie and family at this very difficult time.
From: John and Maureen (Gushue) Moulins
I knew JR and Bonnie through my sister Rosalind. His photo totally exemplified him ,always a big smile on his face. He loved company and always made you feel welcome. My sincerest condolences to Bonnie and their daughters .
From: Lorna Carroll- Plemel
Our deepest sympathies. A donation has been made to Pier Community Funeral Home Building Fund in memory of J.R.
From: Terry and Irene Usher
So sorry to hear about JR . I have never seen an obituary written so we’ll . The part about giving 110 percent workmanship, his workmanship and work ethics at a young age sure made the title of general foreman was well deserved . I wish you all the best for you and your family in this time
From: Mike Litowski
Please accept our condolence on the passing of JR , he was a real gentleman, a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. we considered him as a good friend since our teens. he will be greatly missed.
From: Bunny and Ray Ryan
Dear Bonnie and Family So very sorry to hear of your sad loss. It has to be so difficult for all of you. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this sad time
From: Walter and Shirley Wojick
I knew JR and Bonnie through my sister Rosalind. His photo totally exemplified him ,always a big smile on his face. He loved company and always made you feel welcome. My sincerest condolences to Bonnie and their daughters .
From: Lorna Carroll- Plemel
Dear Bonnie, Colleen, Laura, Sheryl and all family, we extend our deepest sympathy to you at this difficult time. God Bless you all. Sincerely,
From: Ed and Doreen Tynski
Bonnie , Colleen , Laura and Sheryl. I send my condolences to you all. JR was a great Man and wonderful neighbor And through the years we shared wonderful memories.
My thoughts and prayers with you all. Love Liz
From: Elizabeth Schaller
JR was a good and caring friend. He will be missed.
One of our Schaller Drive dads….my heart goes out to all of my girls. Love you like family.
Bonnie Terry and I are so sorry to hear about you loss of JR. our thoughts and prayers are with you and you family during this difficult time.
Bonnie I am so sorry to hear this sad news….thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time, you are in my thoughts and prayers…..hugs
JR and i went back to our days in the Academy and later on at the plant.We were close and i will miss him greatly .Bertha and I extend to Bonnie and family our deepest sympathies.
Bonnie We are truly sorry to hear about JR. He was a really kind guy. Condolences to your family. Big hugs💞💞
Bonnie so sorry Just heard about your loss.
Sister Nichols
Dear Bonnie, my heart goes out to you and your family during these very difficult times. My deepest sympathy.May J.R…RIP 💔
So saddened to hear of the passing of John Robert (J.R.). I was talking to him in the lobby of the Glace Bay Hospital as recently as September 21st. Growing up as friends and neighbors on Muggah Street in Whitney Pier I have so many memories as if it was yesterday, whether it was playing street hockey during some of the coldest days of winter, playing marbles in front of your parents home during some of the warmest days of summer or just sitting on your front steps along with his Dad till sometimes 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning just talking, these are memories I will never forget. RIP dear friend – Ronald Clarke. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie and the MacNeil family at this time. Ronald and Claire Clarke
My thoughts and most sincere sympathies are extended to all family members and friends.
So sorry to hear about your loss Bonnie. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Very saddened to hear of the passing of John Robert (J.R.). Growing up on Muggah Street in Whitney Pier as neighbors, but most of all, friends, I have so many memories of our childhood, whether it was playing street hockey on some of the coldest days of winter, playing marbles on the sidewalk in front of your parent’s house, playing poker in your parent’s garage for pennies and if we won a dollar we thought we were millionaires. Simple things like trading comic books, sitting on your parents front porch trying to try to solve the problems of the world or waiting for Kay (mother) to come home from bingo to see if she won any money, she never would let us know, or whether it was when we got old enough sharing a cold fifty cent beer on Friday or Saturday or both days at the Thistle Tavern, these memories I have seemed they only happen yesterday. RIP neighbor, friend. Ronald Clarke. To Bonnie, her family and the MacNeil family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Ronald and Claire Clarke.
Our most sincere condolences to you and your family.Prayers for your peace. Lillian and Alden Antonello.
Bonnie, Colleen, Laura and Sheryl,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura, so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Glad we were able to be by his side. My thoughts go out to you and your family. Julie S
Laura, I am so sorry to hear about your loss – You are in my thoughts! Condolences to you and your family
Laura,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Be strong in this difficult time and your family will be in prayers.
May GOD rest his soul in peace.
Laura, Words are hard to find, but I simply want to offer my sincere condolences to you and all your family.
Sheryl and Family: We are so sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Bonnie and family. Mike and I send our love and prayers. Love Sharon and Michael Boutilier. ❤️
Laura and family, so sorry to hear about this amazing man’s passing. He sounds like he was a true and wonderful person. Keeping you and yours in my thoughts in this difficult time.
Sending our deepest sympathy.
Doddy & Bobby Keel
Truro N.S. ( Whitney Pier)
Bonnie, so sorry to hear of JR’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Laura, so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
To Bonnie,girls, Cathy and family,
Our deepest sympathies to you all for your great loss. We hope all your wonderful memories help you through the difficult days.
May he Rest In Peace.
Girls, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I remember when we played cards at your house he always had a smile on his face and was very welcoming to us. It is such a great loss when you lose your dad. He will always be on your mind and in your hearts💗💞💗
Bonnie what can I say to you. I have felt your heart break and no one can imagine but you the loss you feel. I will always be here for you when you need to talk about your sadness and your lives together because it is very important to talk about him.💗💗💗💗💗
Bonnie, my deepest condolences to you and your girls……my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time….hugs
Bonnie and Family. Dave and I are very sorry to hear about JR, sending our condolences, Dave and Sookie LeBlanc xo
Dear Bonnie, Colleen, Lara, Sheryl and families, & MacNeil family
We are so saddened to loose such a great neighbour of 42 years. We were so glad that we could help in a small way during the past few difficult weeks. There are so many memories of our children growing up together and so nice they still continue with that friendship. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and you know we are always here if you need us.
Love Kevin & Natalie
Bonnie and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Margie & Kevin Dickson
Dearest Bonnie, Girls and Grandchildren,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of JR.
Sending our love from Ontario.
Bill and Linda
Please accept my deepest condolences on JR’s passing. My your memories help you remember all the love you shared!!
So sorry for your loss…Our deepest condolences to all the family….
Dear Laura and family, our deepest condolences on the loss of your father.
The Bates Family
Sending our heartfelt condolences thoughts & prayers to you Bonnie as well as your extended family at this your difficult time
Laura, I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Passing along condolences from all the Smiths in Great Village. We are thinking about you.
Bonnie and family, sincere condolences to you all at our his sad time.
Bonnie, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bonnie, Colleen, Laura and Cheryl
Sincerest sympathy for the loss of such a devoted, Proud father who loved sharing his stories of you girls and those precious grandchildren. These wonderful memories help us heal.
God Bless your family
Ronnie & Patsy Lee
Dear Laura, I extend my sincerest condolences to you and your family for the loss of such a great man.
Laura,
So sorry for the loss of your father. My sincere condolences to you and your family. What a great story of his life above. Your father was a wonderful person!
My sincere condolences to you, your family a friends. It is never easy to loose a big family piece like this. He will continue on living through your memories, your stories of him, and by living the best life you can. We are here for you Laura if you need anything. Your father seemed to have been an amazing man.