David Gerard MacNeil

Captain David Gerard MacNeil

Shenacadie

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David MacNeil, age 73. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. He died on Thursday, October 13th with his son and daughter by his side at the Dartmouth General Hospital.

David lost his wife, Rhodena (MacKinnon) of 44 years in April 2021 and lived with a broken heart for his remaining time with us. Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Bernard and Mamie (MacKinnon) MacNeil of Shenacadie, but also was predeceased by his biological mother, Louise MacKinnon (MacNeil).  

David is survived by his daughter Lisa (Andy) MacNeil, Eastern Passage; son Bernard MacNeil (Julie), Big Beach; by his four adored grandchildren, Alec, A.J., Calder and Sadie Rhodena. Also surviving are one sister, Florence Axeworthy (Joe) and two brothers, Angus R. MacKinnon (Rose) and Ron MacKinnon. David has one surviving sister-in-law, Bernita MacKinnon (Kevin) and two brothers-in-law, Michael MacKinnon (Evelyn) and Norman MacKinnon (Liz). Also predeceased were his mother and father-in-law, Cathee and John Neil MacKinnon, sister-in-laws Rose MacNeil, Anne Marie MacMullin, and brother-in-law Jimmy MacKinnon.

David enjoyed a long career with the Department of Transportation as Captain-in-Charge of both Grand Narrows and Englishtown ferries. He loved sailing tugboats and ferries around the province and spoke fondly of times spent at various parts of his beloved Nova Scotia. He made many friends through his work that lasted his lifetime. 

David was known as “Baba” by his 4 grandchildren, and it was his proudest title. Whether it was fishing, riding an ATV, or working in the woods, he was usually accompanied by a grandchild. Nothing gave him greater joy than spending time with his family, and he was very proud of each one of them.  David was known to be an animated storyteller and loved to joke about the antics in the community. He kept a daily journal and wrote many of these stories down for us to enjoy. He was a person who wrote heartfelt messages on carefully selected cards for each occasion, and always told the people in his life how appreciated they were. He had a keen sense of humour and way with words that will truly be missed each and every day.

A heartfelt thanks is extended from the family to the team of healthcare providers who ensured David’s comfort and independence during his last few months. To Ann Trickett, the Cape Breton Homecare team and the V.O.N.s, who extended his time at his home in Shenacadie, we can never repay your kindness. In addition, the care David received by Dr. J. Ferguson was appreciated greatly. Thank you to everyone who touched his life and made it a life well-lived, and well-loved.

Visitation for David will be 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, October 18th at the Iona Parish Community Hall. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 19th, at St. Columba Church, Iona, with Father Victor officiating. Burial will follow in St. Barra Cemetery, Christmas Island.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, a cause close to the hearts of the family.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney. Online condolences may be sent to the family by posting on the tribute wall of the obituary page at www.wjdooley.com.

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