Obituary of Joseph "Mac" McNeil

JOSEPH AUGUSTINE MCNEIL

BRANDON, MB

BORN: DEC.29, 1940, GLACE BAY, NS

The youngest of 12 children, Joe spent his early years by the water, in Glace Bay, NS, swimming, skating and digging for treasure washed up on the shore. (Recovered war wreckage, sold to the scrapyard, buys you a lot of candy).

When he was10 years old, the family relocated to the big metropolis of Hamilton, ON. Here he attended school down the street from his house and worked delivering telegrams on his bike. He helped look after his nephews and nieces and eventually worked for his brother-in-law’s lawn supply company. (Bagging fertilizer buys you a lot of cigarettes.)

He joined the army at 17 and hopped off the train in Shilo, MB, reporting for basic training. During his years with the RCA he was stationed in Manitoba (where he met Mary Anne) and New Brunswick, as well as being deployed twice to Germany and once to Cyprus. After 30 years in the service, he retired to civi street...but it wasn’t long before he was back on base, working at Base Supply; towels and socks keeping him busy for another 10 years.

As an ANAF member he frequently took part in the darts and shuffleboard tournaments. He was also a long time Legion member.

Most knew him as an avid music fan, especially of C&W. Joe was often found enjoying his records, cassettes, cds or streaming tracks (we never did have an 8-track player). You could hear him humming a tune, as he went about the house or belting out a song, while playing his guitar at a party.

Of course all was quiet while he was hunting or fishing, though there may have been some smack-talk on the golf course.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Anne; daughter, Leanne and her partner, Ryan; sisters Lucy and Pearl and many dear nieces and nephews.

A private interment will be held at the Veterans Cemetery.

All are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life at the ANAF, 31 14th Street, Brandon, MB on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.