Obituary of Art MacNeil
MacNEIL Arthur Michael – ag 76, of Lantz, passed away November 24, 2021, in Dartmouth General Hospital, Dartmouth. Born in Antigonish on December 4, 1944, he was a son of the late Jeremiah and Mary (Nowlan) MacNeil.
The youngest of 7 children, Lil Arthur was always a kind soul – a trait that followed him his entire life. He was the ultimate social butterfly; anyone who met Art was immediately put at ease by his welcoming smile and laid-back nature. A great friend to have, he loved having a laugh, always up for a good round of shootin’ the s**t or if you just needed an ear to listen – he was there.
A jack of all trades, Art worked a number of different jobs over the years. From diesel mechanic to plumber to pipefitter to vacuum salesman, back to plumber before retiring. Art then became a school bus driver where he impacted the lives of many children in our community. We’ve heard over and over how much the kids loved Art the bus driver and he was a little bit of a celebrity when he went to Melody’s school concerts! Art’s last post was working for Enterprise – the perfect job for a fella who loved cars and driving. Art loved getting paid to drive around new cars!
You didn’t have to know him long to know Art had a few passions in life, a major one being music. Art was a founding member of the East Hants Bluegrass Association. He also served as a Director of the NS Bluegrass Association for many years and was a fixture at the Annual NS Bluegrass Festivals. All over NS he could be found on stage guitar in hand and a song on his lips. He made so many wonderful friends and connections over the years at the jamborees, music festivals, local hall shows or just jamming at someone’s house. With a voice loved by all and a spirit full of music, we know he will be missed by his music family.
When he wasn’t pickin’ & grinnin’, you could find Art at any number of race tracks from here to Maine enjoying another of his great passions – Race car driving. An avid fan of the sport he loved being in the stands among the energy of the crowd as the engines roared and the cars sped by. He would tell you one of the best moments of his life was when, on one Father’s Day, he had the chance to get behind the wheel of a race car and take it for a spin around the track.
Generous and kind Art was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a friend of Bill & Bob and always just a handshake away.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at the Dartmouth General Hospital (especially Natalie) for taking such great care of Art during his time with them.
Art will be sadly missed by his wife, Janet (Pelrine); children, Jeffrey (Donna) MacNeil; Darlene (Greg) MacNeil, Jill MacNeil; and beloved granddaughter, Melody; sisters, Aileen (Ron) Beed, Dartmouth; Marie Mason, ON; Claire MacNeil, Antigonish; brother, Jerry MacNeil, Winnipeg, numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son, Tim MacNeil; brother, John MacNeil and sister, Florence Leeman.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Art’s life will be held on what would have been Art’s 77th birthday, Saturday, December 4th – 1PM at Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie. As we expect the funeral home won’t hold all who wish to attend, folks can also go to the Milford Rec Hall where there will be a live stream of the service and a reception after the service to further honor Art – including two of his favorite things – Music and food!
Memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
Tributes words of comfort and memories of Art can be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Art
MacNeil 1944 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Shubenacadie, Province: Nova Scotia
I learned of Art’s passing last evening while visiting Dad (Eric Bowers) for a pick session. Please accept my condolences, very sad to hear of Art’s passing. Art was one of my very favorite local voices for my Merle Haggard and John Prine cover tunes. I was always much happier to learn that Art & Darlene were on the show at NMR Jamboree on the off/on occasion that I was on the show as well. Always very entertaining! Just wanted to reach out and share some fond memories that I will always carry with me. Hopefully adding some strength in these Sorrowful Times.