Obituary of Donald James McNeil

It is with great sadness, yet thankful for a life well lived, the family of Donald James McNeil, age 89, of Hantsport, announces his peaceful passing on Thursday, June 27th, 2024, in Hants Community Hospital, Windsor. He was born November, 1934, in Hantsport to the late Malcolm and Lela (Starratt) McNeil.

Donnie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Louise (Allen) McNeil; children, Sherry Martin (Rob Caldwell), New Minas; Christine (Gerald Hann), Halifax; Amber MacDonald (Chris), Truro and Malcolm (Jennifer), Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL. Grampie will be remembered by his nine grandchildren, Amy Hunter, Sara Bezanson, Ryan Bezanson, Lindsay Innocent, Noah Hann, Cameron MacDonald, Lauren MacDonald, Jack and Oliver McNeil; eight great grandchildren, Jade, Becka, Ellie, Morgan, Maddie, Mataya, Elodie and Eben.  

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Nancy Deal; granddaughter, Hayley Martin; brothers, Jack and Mickey and sisters, Anna Poirier and Mary Cashin. 

Donnie was not afraid of hard work. His careers included, operating the Esso gas station, delivering oil for Imperial Oil, then Petro-Canada, having a plumbing and heating business and lastly as Public Works Superintendent for Town of Hantsport until his retirement. 

He loved his community. He pulled tug of war in his youth and found other ways to pull his community together. He volunteered with the HMCC Pool Committee, was with the Hantsport Fire Department for 56 years and Fire Chief for 29 years and lent a hand with anything else that was needed. After retirement, he and Louise enjoyed time in the gazebo and visits with family, friends and neighbours. His big hands were still strong right until the end!

The family would like to give great thanks to Donnie’s neighbours, with special appreciation to Debbie. Donnie received outstanding care from Dr. Rendon, Amber Phillips (Hants Community Palliative RN) and Home Care Team, Noala and Tammy.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317), where visitation will be held Friday, July 5 from 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, July 6 in the funeral home chapel, Rev. Jennifer Riley officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre. A private family interment will be held in Riverbank Cemetery, Hantsport. Donations in memory of Donnie may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 5826 South St., Halifax, NS B3H 1S6. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca.

“Don’t be sad because it's over, be glad because it happened”