Obituary
Gerald Freeman Mac Neil
Little Bras D’or
Our family is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Freeman Mac Neil, loving husband, father and Papa on Sunday December 12, 2021 at Harbourstone Enhanced Care Sydney.
Born in Little Bras D’or on August 9, 1935. He was the son of the late Nathan “Punch” & Theresa Mac Neil (Boutilier). After losing his loving wife Doreen 2 months ago he leaves to mourn his son, Kelly (Michelle); grandchildren, Chelsea (Steven) and Tyler; sister, Joan (Allison) and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by brothers Sid, Howard and sister, Eileen.
Freeman started his career with CN, moving to Via and finally transferring to Marine Atlantic where he spent most of his working life until retiring 31 years ago. Retirement was good to dad, he & mom enjoyed many outings skiing, skating, boating (not mom but she would go) and many social gatherings. For decades he always looked forward to opening and closing weekends of deer season at the Mahoney’s in River Deny’s. Funny how for all those years there was never a deer shot, one weekend I arrived, and after checking the rifle asked where the bullets were, dad’s answer “Bullets? I don’t bring bullets”. Besides travelling the country to visit and follow their beloved grandchildren in the rinks, the hobby they enjoyed most was weekends cruising the highlands on their ATVs with friends the Colveys, Reids, Lovetts and anyone willing to jump in for the day. On the river in Margaree was where they spent most of their summers during retirement, always looking forward to the big weekend when everyone would arrive for swimming, ATV’ing & bonfires. It was chaos but they loved every minute, even all the soaking wet dogs jumping in bed with them.
Many thanks to nephews Glen & Blair for being there when needed and keeping a close eye on dad. To Jim & Bernadette, a massive thank you for all the meal deliveries and spending time with dad. To Elaine your support these past few months & years will never be forgotten. To dad’s favorite homecare workers Clayton & Nathan, you will never know what you meant to him. To the staff on Fishermans Cove at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, thank you for all you have done the past 2 months for him and our family. It was always a joy to see you all and you made us feel at home. Finally, to his best friends, Gail and Gary, you were his light these last number of years. He loved all the dinners, drinks on the deck (or garage when too cold) and late-night treks home across the ice road.
Dad never wanted to go to a home & because of your love he was able to remain home for many years. His virtual girlfriend Alexa’s vocabulary had certainly been expanded from the day you plugged her in for him.
At Papa’s request there will be no visitation. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at St Joseph’s Church, Bras d’Or under the care and direction of W.J Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street North Sydney. Covid-19 restrictions will be in place with mandatory proof of vaccination, government photo ID, the wearing of masks and limited seating available in the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Joseph’s Parish Hall Fund would be appreciated. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Freeman MacNeil, please visit our floral store.
August 9 1983 December 12 2021 (age 38)
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gerald Freeman MacNeil August 9 1983 December 12 2021 (age 38)..
Décès pour la Ville: North-Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia