Coxheath
It is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Cailin Dougall MacNeil in the arms of his loving mother on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, Sydney.
Cailin was born on March 30, 1982, to Tina Marie and the late Curtis MacNeil.
Cailin attended MacLennan Jr. High, graduated from Riverview High School in 2000, and was a member of the Red Cup winning Riverview Redmen Hockey team which made for an epic graduation year. Cailin was a product of the County Minor Hockey Association, and like his father, was a loyal Habs fan. However, his favourite hockey years were those he spent playing with his buddies, where a couple of beers always added to the merriment of the game. He may have looked skinny but had some real weight to throw around as a defenceman. He may or may not have been taller than his brother.
Cailin graduated from Cape Breton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In his final year, he participated in a study exchange to Örebro, Sweden. This eventually led to a move to Portugal where he lived for three years and travelled extensively and met some of his lifelong friends. Cailin had a truly international entourage, and he proudly brought many of them home to visit the Cape Breton he loved so much. All were welcome at the MacNeil house, no matter how loud and in need of a shower. Upon returning from his time abroad, Cailin spent some time living and working in the North, where upon returning home to Cape Breton he was horrified to learn that cash was no longer accepted on flights. It was a long flight home!
Cailin was also a fearless tree planter. With some of his best friends he travelled the country, enduring frigid frost-covered mornings, angry bears, and vicious mosquitos. Despite the hardships, with his friends and a devil-may-care attitude, they conquered the Canadian Shield, the forests of BC, and our beloved Appalachian range here at home.
Cailin was an audiophile and building on his father’s vinyl collection, he compiled an eclectic and impressive library. The MacDougall in Cailin always understood the importance of music, and that sometimes life needed to be set to a soundtrack in both joy and sadness. He may not have had the technical prowess of his cousins, but he could still be the life of the party if handed a guitar. Cailin was also a prolific painter and folk artist, and his work has been spotted all over the world, carried to all corners by his friends and fans. Often difficult and hard to penetrate, what was undeniable in all his work was a profound restlessness and longing.
Cailin was predeceased by his father, Curtis MacNeil; grandparents, Mary ‘Books’ and Johnny ‘Flat’ MacDougall, Russel and Maxime MacNeil, and by his uncle, John Allan MacDougall.
Left to mourn with loving memories are Cailin’s mother, Tina (Jerome Campbell), Coxheath; brother, Ells (Lara Bajar), Ottawa; uncles and aunts, Redmond and Carol MacDougall, Coxheath, Jeanette MacDougall, South Bar, Brenda Heine, British Columbia, Ardith and Michael Fox, British Columbia, and Daria and Pete Durham, Leeches Creek. Cailin will be greatly missed by his cousins, John, Ian, Stephen, Jenny and Little Red. There’s was a strong family bond forged in campfires, sing-a-longs, days on the Bras d’Or at St. Andrew’s Channel at “the Bungalo”. Cailin’s absence will be deeply mourned, no less by his good buddy, Chairman Meow.
Cailin’s family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the Palliative Care doctors and nurse who provided comfort and care to Cailin.
As per Cailin’s request there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at our Lady of Fatima Parish with Fr. Everett MacDow and Deacon Michael McCarvill officiating. Following the Mass, there will be a reception at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Cailin, may be made to Talbot House, Hospice Palliative Care, Cape Breton, or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Dear Tina, Ells and all of Caitlin’s extended family:
We were so sad to hear this news. Caitlin was a wonderful “ kid” in the Cantley neighbourhood. I remember assisting him to be one of our first exchange students to Sweden, he represented CBU so well. Our sincerest condolences.
From old neighbours Love and Hugs.
From: Gail & Bob Muir
Tena and family ,so sorry to learn of Cailin’s death .Still think of him as one of the many kids being born and growing up in Cantley Village .I wish you strength in this cruel journey .
From: Bev and Dave Kennedy
Sorry for your loss, Cailin was a great guy
From: Ken MacNeil
Condolences to Tina, Redmond and families on Cailin’s passing. May he rest in peace.
From: Paul & Colleen Mombourquette
I am deeply sorry Tina, Ells and Family,
There are no words of comfort to be spoken in mending your broken hearts, but in time all he has given, and his memories in time will bring comfort, until then May God give you comfort in hollow of his hand, in my prayers
From: Tom Blanchard
Tina, Sandy and I were so upset to learn of Cailin’s passing. We had no idea he was ill. Please look after yourself and I’ll see you some time this summer. Take care.
From: Cherie Gillis and Sandy Gillis
Tina very sorry to hear of Caitlin’s passing. May you find comfort in your memories and get strength from the Lord. Our deepest sympathies
From: Barbara and John Berger
Tina and Family,
So very sorry to hear about the passing of your son Cailin. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
From: Dawn & Pat Donovan
We were so deeply saddened to learn of Cailin’s passing. Betty, Greg and Kurt send our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to you, Tina, and your family.
From: Betty and Greg Hill
So sorry to hear if Cailin’s passing . Our thoughts are with you. The Elderkins from Wokfville.
From: Peter Elderkin
Tina, Ells and family.
We were so very sorry to hear of Cailin’s passing. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Condolences to you all.
From: Linda and Jack MacDonald
Jane and I would like to express our sincere condolences to you Tina, Jerome, and Elles, the MacDougall and MacNeil families. We share with you your profound sorrow of Caitlin’s passing and with the strength of family and friends can overcome it.
From: Jane and Vincent MacDonald
Tina and family,
So saddened to learn of Cailin’s passing. I have such fond memories of him when he was at Riverview, such a kind, gentle young man. Please accept my sincere condolences.
From: Carol Sparks
Dear Tina and family please know that we are so very, very sorry for your loss. God Bless you! May Cailin roam the many gardens in Heaven.
From: Pauline & Dennis MacLellan
So sorry to hear of Cailin’s passing. He was such a great boy. I remember so many times he came to our house with the boys. I loved to see them all. They were such great friends and he was the life of the party. They all loved to laugh at his jokes. Oh the good ole Cape Breton days. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
From: Patricia and Vic Walker
Tina and family- Gary and I extend our heart felt condolences on the loss of your son. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
From: Gary and Elaine Evely
Dear Tina and family
Very sorry to hear about Cailin’s passing. You’re in our prayers.
From: Bob and Bev Cowley
To Tina and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Cailin’s passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
From: Sue (Irvine) Holmes
Tina and Family, so sorry to learn of Caitlin’s passing. Seems like he had a very busy and eventful life although it was short. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. You will have lots of lovely memories to carry you through this difficult time.
My prayers are with you.
From: Jean Marie MacNeill
Tina, my heart broke as I read this horrible news. I can’t imagine how it must feel to lose your darling son and at such an early age. My deepest condolences to you, Jerome, Ells and the beautiful Mac Dougall family. Love, hugs and prayers for each of you. Priscilla Lotherington ( Celtic Colors,etc)
From: Priscilla Lotherington
Cailin was always a kind soul who was well liked by everyone. He’s a part of my childhood memories and I’ll hold his memory dear. My heart breaks for the family. Sending my love to you.
From: Lianne Furey
Tina, Ells and family, we were so saddened to hear of Cailin’s passing. He was such a kind person. Our boys share many memories with him. God Bless
From: Danette and Kevin MacRae
The best of the best. So saddened to hear of Cailin’s passing. Such a easy going caring individual, so glad I got to know him. Our hearts go out to Tina and family.
From: Ron and Joanne Evely
Tina and family,
So very sorry to hear about your boy Cailin. They are always ‘our boys’, no matter the age. Sincere sympathy from a fellow Cantley villager whose son grew up here with Cailin. Praying warm memories will keep him close.
From: Debbie(Black)Denny
I had the pleasure of tree planting with Cailin so many years ago in Northern Ontario and Alberta. He truly was one of a kind and have nothing but fond memories of him. I can still hear his laugh and am very sad to hear of his passing. He was a gem and we are all greater people for knowing him. May he rest in peace ❤️
From: Olivia Jackson
My heart is breaking for you, Tina, at the loss of your son, Cailin. My condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.
From: Joan Thorne
Our deepest condolences to the MacNeil Family so sorry for your loss. Elroy Stewart and family.
Tina and families
We were so sorry to hear of Cailin’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dolly and Wendy
Tina and family
Very sorry to hear of Cailin’s passing. You’re in our prayers
Bob and Bev Cowley
Thinking of you and sending our deepest sympathy on the loss of Cailin!
Sincerely
Anna and Dave Poirier
Dear Tina and family, my sincere condolences in the loss of your wonderful son. May your beautiful memories help you all at this most difficult time.
Sincerely Anne MacRury MacIntyre
Dear Tina, Ells and family. We extend out heart felt condolences and we are sorry for the loss of Calin. May he rest in peace. From, Theresa & .Mervin Criss
So sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to the family. Rhonda Wrobleski South Bar.
Dear Tina. We are so very sorry to learn of Cailin’s passing. Our sincere sympathies to you and your family. May all of your precious and treasured memories help to bring you some comfort as you grieve such a tragic loss.
Sincerely, Donna and Ted Gallivan
Tina I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Janice
Tina Redmond and families
No words can take away the pain you are having now on the loss of a son brother and nephew please accept my sincere condolences.working with Cailin was a gem you couldn’t meet a nicer boy with a big heart
Love and hugs to you all
Tina, Redmond and families, please accept my sincere condolences on Cailin’s passing. Thinking of you all during this sad and difficult time. Hugs
My deepest condolences Tina. Big hugs girlie. I will be thinking of you.
We are so sad to hear of Caitlin’s passing. He and our son Jody Cross played hockey together for many of their teenage years. Always a road trip story to be shared for sure. Our heartfelt condolences to you Tina, Ells and family. God speed Caitlin. God speed.
Tina I am so sorry to read about Cailin……my deepest sympathies to you, Ells and extended family members and friends……he is now with Curtis playing the old vinyl records up there…….big hugs
Tina and Ells, I am truly heartbroken for you both. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
Tina and family, so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Patsy and Alan Moore
Tina, Ells and Family, our sincere condolences on the passing of Caitlin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We remember some of those get togethers in St. Andrews Channel—what a great time they were. RIP Cailin
Tina and family- we are so very saddened to hear about Cailin. We are keeping you all in our thoughts. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Bob,Mona and John Gill
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your beautiful son and brother. Cailin was always smiling and outgoing. May he rest in peace 🙏
Tina,
I am so sorry to hear of Cailin’s passing. My deepest condolences to you during this difficult time. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences Tina & Family. Prayers & Hugs
Tina, Ells and family I extend my deepest condolences. When I heard the news Saturday morning I was heartbroken. I’ll cherish the memories I have of Cailin.
Dear Tina… so sorry about Cailin. There is no greater sorrow than losing a child. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad, sad time.
Katherine Ann
Condolences to Tina, Ells and family. It must be so sad to lose a beloved brother and son. Hugs from Ray and I. RIP Caitlin.
Tina & Family
Sending our deepest sympathy at this time.
A.F.F.A.
Doddy 💕& Bobby
I am very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tina Redmond Call Ann and family Please accept our heartfelt sympathy to all on your loss Our prayers are with you all at this difficult time
Tina and Family,
I‘m very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Jacqueline Lalanne
Cailin was a wholesome and loving soul for the time I knew him through school. I’m so sorry to hear this. May his memory live on Tina and family. Sending love.
Tiny , Ella, Charlie , carol and extended families my deepest condolences . He touched so many people in so many different ways…
So sorry to hear. My deepest sympathies to Tina, Redmond, and all the family at this difficult time.
Tina & family
We are sending our deepest condolences at this very difficult time. Hugs to all of you.
Tina, I am so deeply sorry to hear this news and glad that you were with Cailin as he passed. One thing I always remember about the short time I spent with you and your men was your deep love for them and your kindness. Sending a long hug your way. With love, Shannan
Dearest Tina, Please know how very sorry I am to learn this devastating news. You your son and all your extended family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our condolences to Tina, Ells, and all of Cailin’s family and friends. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies on your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
To Tina And Family So Sorry To Hear Of Cailin Passing You Are All In Our Thoughts And Prayers Debbie Macivor, Dave Mackeigan.
So sorry to hear of your great loss. Prayers & hugs to all the family.
So sorry for your loss. Condolences, from Imelda.
Tina, Ells, and family
We were so saddened and shocked to learn of Cailin’s death. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Margaret and Bill Burns
Tina and family- we are very sorry to hear about Cailin. We are keeping you all in our thoughts. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Bob, Mona and John Gill
Dear Tina,Ells and family
my heartfelt condolences to you all at the time. Tina and Ells you were truly wonderful with Callin and a huge part of his life. Callin was always so welcoming and pleasant when meeting him and took such interest in how things were going in anyone’s life. He was very humble and appreciative of people in general. He will be sadly missed. I’m so sorry I cannot be there with you Tina but know I am in your heart and thinking of you since hearing this sad news. Love you dearly my friend.
Dear Tina and family,
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. I will pray for strength for you and your family.Sadly,grief is the price we pay for love but God sees every tear.🙏🏻
Dear Tina, Ells, MacDougall Family
So very sad to hear of Cailin’s passing. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
To Tina and family,
I was very sad to hear of Cailin’s passing. He and I went to school together since primary at Coxheath Elem. and then played on the same team a few times for the County Islanders (Curtis was the coach one year) and then at Riverview for the Redmen. The last time I saw him was when he and a few friends were passing through Scotland when I was in school there and they spent a few nights in my residence. I am confident we were the only ones in the entire UK that night talking about the county rink and the memories we all had.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time,
Andrew
We will miss him, loved his stories a great story teller. Lived a life he enjoyed and his family always gave him a safe and loving place to land RIP Caitlin and watch over your Mom
Tena and family we are truly sorry for the loss of your wonderful son Cailin. I remember working with Cailiin at sobeys and he was a joy to work with. Sending lots of love and prayers your way to help you through this most difficult time
Tina and Ells,
I was so sorry to hear of Cailin’s passing. I will always remember him as the little boy with the blond curls who loved playing with the tonka trucks in sandbox when I babysat him and he grew into a fine man who loved his family. My thoughts are with you all.
My deepest Sympathy to you Tina and all who loved Cailin. I remember him coming to the door to take Sarah to the prom. So handsome and sweet. They stayed friends going to Fort Kent together. So sad his life was cut short. You are in our thoughts at this most difficult time.
Linda
Tina and Ells, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I had the words to express my sympathies to you both. Cailin was a special soul and I only remember him with a smile on his face. Let that smile carry you through these difficult times and let his light be a beacon to fond memories.
Tina and family. So sorry for your loss Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Tina and Ells,
My sincere condolences and sympathies to you and all extending family. My heart broke when Aunt ‘Nette (MacDougall) told me the sad news yesterday. I remember Cailin at the bungalow one summer when I was down visiting. It reminded me then of how it used to be there every summer – people came and went, cousins and friends who loved music and a good laugh. I hope the memories you have will give you strength during this difficult time.
Tina, Redmond and families, sincere condolences on the loss of your son,nephew and cousin, Cailin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May he have eternal peace and happiness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Judy & Roger
Tina, Ells, and family,
We are sending our sincere condolences to everyone at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs to you!
Kim and John Willie Beaton
Coxheath
My deepest condolences, Cailin was a wonderful man, a gentle and caring friend and someone that will be sorely missed, by myself and all of his Lagos, Portugal, friends.
Thoughts are with your family Big C, gone but not forgotten!
Tina, Ells & Family, we are heartbroken to hear of Cailin’s passing. We have many great memories of him and all their friends hanging at our place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all xo
So sorry to hear of your son’s passing. We know you have lots of friends and family that will help you all get through this difficult time. Take care and God bless
Tina and Ellis and families our deepest condolences at the lost of your dear son. Words cannot express our sympathy. May the precious memories of the good times you all shared help you all through the days ahead. God bless.
Tina and Ells, Darrell send our sincere condolences on the passing of Cailin. Such a loss!
Tina and family you’re so saddened by the news of Cailin passing . Our prayers and thoughts are with you all ,, Mike Debbie Steven and Jeffrey Hanrahan
Tina, I am so sorry to hear of Cailin’s passing. After seeing you so often at the ICU, I had hoped he was doing well, especially when he was moved out so soon. My most sincere condolences and you and all your family are in my prayers.
Dear Tina and Family we are so very sorry for your great loss. There are no words to take away your pain.
My prayers go out to Cailin’s family during this difficult time.
I went all through school with Cailin, from elementary onward, and although I had only run into him once or twice shortly after high school, I remember him fondly.
He was always super kind, very friendly, and had a great laugh. A really good guy.
My sincere condolences.
My condolences to all the family .Sending much love to everyone .
Tina and family,
We are sending you are sincerest condolences in these most difficult times. We know Cailin brought so much happiness to so many and was your everything. Please know that so many are thinking of you. We send you our love and prayers.
Tina and family, please accept our very sincere condolences at this very sad time.
Dear Tina. I am very sad to hear the loss of your dear Cailin. Very positive thoughts to you and your family.
Dear Tina, So sorry to hear of Caitlin’s passing. We know there will be difficult days ahead for you and your family but we also know that you have always been there to help Caitlin through some very difficult times. Stay strong and take care! Caitlin is now at peace!
Loretta & George
Tina and Ells, I am so sorry for your loss. Cailin was a charismatic and loveable soul who touched so many people. Over the past few days I have been flooded by all the good times we had over the decades. His loss will be felt deeply by so many. Sending you all my love and light during this difficult time ♥️
We send our deepest sympathies to the Mac Neil family. We remember Cailin with great fondness. The boys had great times together
Tina & family, sending you love, strength & support over the seas. I’m incredibly sorry for your loss. Cailin was a special soul who touched so many lives around the world. I’ll always treasure the memories. He will truly be missed x
Dear Tina and family, I never got to meet you but over several years of tree planting with Cailin, was regaled by his stories of home and growing up in Cape Breton. I have the best memories of Cailin – wise beyond his years, he had the best one liners and could always make me feel better – even on the wettest coldest days out there. We had some great times together, and I’m so grateful for those memories. He was a very good friend to me and so many others. I am thinking of you and all those who are feeling his loss.
Dear Tina and Family,
I’d like to send my deepest condolences. Cailin was a special person and will be missed by everyone who knew him. I’ll remember his laugh and quick wit.
Tina (Jerome) Elles & all Caitlin’s
Extended Family & dear friends. May your many memories help ease your pain. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Love Claire & Danny
Dear Tina, Ells, and Redmond and Carol and families! Our love and prayers are with you all in this difficult time!, we know the love you all felt for Cailin and the heartbreak you must be feeling today. We so wish we could be with you all at this time! We pray that God will give you the strength and comfort you so need. We will miss our times with Cailin on our trips to Cox Heath. Hugs to all!
My deepest thoughts and condolences with you Tina.
Tina and Ells, I’m so sorry for your loss. Though we lost touch in recent years, Cailin was one of my dearest friends. He will be sorely missed.
Tina and family we send our deepest sympathies to you all. Your memories will help you through this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tina and the MacNeil + MacDougall families,
I was saddened to hear of your tremendous loss. Caitlin sounded like an incredible guy who made a positive impact on everyone he touched. May all of these beautiful memories give you some comfort throughout your sadness. Thoughts and prayers are with you. xo
Tina and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your boy Cailin. Mothers’ sons will always just be ‘our boys’. Cailin was part of all of us who had children growing up in Cantley. Warm memories will keep him close.
Thinking of you🙏
Tina and Family—so sorry for your loss. Cailin was such an intelligent, sweet person. What a loss. Thinking of you during this incredibly difficult time.
Tina, Ells and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Tina so sorry to hear of Caiden’s death,he is at peace now,our son Peter called us with the news,he is at Talbots house,,he lives there.take care,our prayers are with you and your family.
Tina, Ells & MacDougall family, I’m sorry I was not able to be there to pay my respects in person. Cailin was truly special person and left an incredible impression on all who were privileged to have known him. I hope you can find some level of comfort knowing he is now at peace. Sending all my love and deepest condolences to you all.
I have such fond memories of sitting around the campfire in White River, Ontario after long hard days of planting trees, comforted by the warmth of Cailin’s presence. He was very thoughtful, never judgmental and radiated kindness. Despite his comedic dislike for treeplanting, he was arguably the most supportive treeplanter in camp. I am so sorry for your loss.
So very sorry Tina for such a heartbreaking loss. Can’t imagine the pain you are going through. Blessings to you and to your family!
So sorry to hear about Cailin’s passing from this world. My heart breaks for you and your family. My condolences and hugs going out to you at this very sad time. Love Anita
So sorry for your loss. Our sympathy. Jeanie, David, Jan and Beth McCharles
I was so sorry to hear of Cailin’s passing. Thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time.
Tina,Ells and Family; We are so very sorry to hear your son and brother, Cailin, has passed away. We were in Florida and learned later of Cailin’s untimely death . When I saw you today my heart ached because I know how much your two boys meant to you. Losing a child defies the natural order of things and seems so unfair. Please try to live life to its fullest for Cailin and know others truly care. May past memories be a source of comfort during this most difficult time. Curtis will take good care of his loving son. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care! We care! Belinda and Ralph.