Darrell Joseph McNeil
April 26, 1957 – October 05, 2021
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On Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021 the woodpeckers unexpectedly lost a very special member of the family. It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our Dad, Darrell J. McNeil. Born in Reserve Mines, Nova Scotia, to Danny and Maggie (McWhirter) McNeil, Da was honored to be born into the woodpecker clan, which is what shaped him into the kind hearted, caring and loving man he was. A dedicated family man, he would do anything for his family. Da wasn’t a materialistic man. Instead he took comfort in the faces of his family and friends and the time he spent with them. He lived every day as if it could be his last, making sure to tell us he loved us daily and taking time to reach out to all his loved ones as often as possible. His life motto was to work hard and make everlasting memories with his family. And that, he did. We made so many wonderful memories that we will cherish. He took great pride in his work. Over the years he met many fantastic people and was a mentor to many. From his younger years with Cape Breton Island Housing Authority to his current adventure with New Age Construction, he made lifelong friendships that he treasured. He often told stories about his travels that we will hold near to our hearts. Survived by his lifelong best friend, wife, Colleen (Hill) McNeil; daughters, April and Margaret (aka Mic), who he adored and took the time to remind us of this daily; son-in-law, Terry McSavaney, who he was so proud to call his son. His grandchildren were by far the love of Da’s life. He idolized and cherished every part of them. Being a grandparent was a privilege he held high and took very seriously. Poppy Darrell has left his everlasting imprint and love in the hearts of Marissa (Poppy’s baby girl), Darrell Scott (Poppy’s partner in crime), Kaden (Poppy’s best biker buddy and co-captain of the boat), and Noah (the boss….’nough said!). He is sadly missed by his brothers, John (Colleen), Francie (Joan), Mickey (Diane) and the brother who was his very best friend, Coody (Diane); sisters, Tina (Don), Donna (Da’s life mentor), Mary Ruth (Danny) and Toni (Dave); brothers-in-law, Darrell (Peggy), Harry, and Joe; sisters-in-law, Andrea (Victor), Mary Rose (Daniel), Brenda, Jackie and Mary; and his extended northern family, Rod, Sharlene and crew. Da leaves behind the legacy of being Uncle Darrell to many. He had a special love and bond with each and every one of his nieces and nephews. They will miss his morning messages and his encouraging advice. Sadly, he was also predeceased by many loved ones he adored, including his parents, Danny and Maggie; in-laws Rose and Dave Hill, special sister-in-law, Sharon Ann; brothers, George, Duck, Robert, Jimmy, Billy and Donnie; and sisters, Mazie, Peggy, Eva and Debbie; brothers-in-law John Boutilier, Sonny MacDonald and Gary Hill; and sisters-in-law, Theresa, Audrey, Minnie, Peggy and Mary McNeil. A service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at 11 a.m., from Smith Memorial Chapel in Brooks, Alberta.
Streaming will be available vis Smith Funeral Home Ltd. Website
The Broken Chain We little knew that day, God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, In death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you, The day God called you home.
You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see you, You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same,
But as God call us one by one, The chain will link again.
Author: Ron Tranmer
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Darrell Joseph McNeil April 26 1957 October 05 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Brooks, Province: Alberta