John Alexander MacNeil (“Jack”, as he was known to all those who knew and loved him) passed on to eternal peace and release from the cruel grip of dementia on Friday, September 2, 2022.
Jack was born September 18, 1939 and was just shy of his 83rd birthday when he passed.
Jack spent his entire life on Cape Breton Island, never considering that there was any other place on earth he would want to call home. Born here and laid to rest here, he would not have it any other way.
Jack was born in New Waterford but grew up in Sydney. He spent his entire career in the automotive industry in various aspects. The early days delivering oil for Irving Oil and working beside his father, J.P. MacNeil, at MacNeil Motors in the good ole days selling Mercedes Benz and Renault. Later in life, opening his own shop in the Northend of Sydney, Jack Mac Import Auto, and finishing up his working years driving taxi cab for CityWide.
Besides family and friends, Jack had a great love for racing, in the late 60s/early 70’s. He could be found at Bud’s Speedway racing his stock car, Car #54, then later in life he found his passion and love for horses and harness racing. Throughout his harness racing days, Jack developed strong friendships with fellow horsemen at Tartan Downs, Northside Downs and Inverness Raceway and became involved in the Cape Breton Horsemen’s Association, serving on its executive as president for a term. I am certain when he passed Heaven’s gate, he went seeking out Bright Power, one of his favourite horses. He’s probably hooking up his sulky for an easy go around the track as you read this.
Jack is survived by his daughters, Cathy (James Kerbes) and Paula (Kerry MacNeil); sisters, Pauline Cameron, Betty MacNeil and Margaret-Anne Cann (Don Cann); grandchildren, all residents in Alberta, Ryan Anderson (Jordan), Michael MacLellan, Katelyn MacLellan, Madison Harkes and Mitchell Harkes; and great-grandchild, Jacob Clarke.
Jack was predeceased by his mother, Catherine MacNeil; father, John Peter “J.P.” MacNeil; and brothers, Robert MacNeil and Sandy MacNeil.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Sydney Memorial Chapel, 49 Welton Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia with a reception to follow.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Alexander Jack MacNeil 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia