John “Russell” MacNeil

Lexington, NS

Age 85

With the heaviest of hearts, we said goodbye to our beloved Russell - husband, father, grandfather as well as great-grandfather to his little treasures.

He was a remarkable man, who showed unconditional love to us all. He taught us how to work hard, how to have fun, enjoy life and how to be there for our family and friends- as he always was. We grew up knowing that he was there for us, every single day of our lives. He loved the simple things in life and shared these with his family-from sitting by a brook fishing to going for a drive over every back road we could find and singing, we were always singing, music was a large part of growing up. He sang to every child in our family for comfort and for laughter.

His wife, Jean that he loved with his whole heart, shared 58 years of being side by side. From the day they got together they were never far apart from each other. They hunted together, fished together and raised their family together, side by side. They absolutely adored each other. Where you saw one, you knew the other was close by. They had 2 children together, who then gave them grandchildren and great grandchildren. Russell had many accomplishments in his life but his proudest was the family he and Jean created together.

Russell was a very hard worker who delivered milk for almost 39 years for Eastern Dairy Foods/ Scotsburn. In his many years of delivering milk, he met many wonderful people that he had made lifelong friendships with. There were many children throughout his milk run that had received a treat of chocolate milk when they would run to meet him. He always took time to talk to everyone, children included. He would say “they have something to say and to them it’s important, so you listen”.

He dedicated 40 + years as a volunteer to sports in Port Hawkesbury. He coached ball, bringing home many awards across the Causeway. He would make sure the fields were lined before the games and the lights were turned off after the games in the evening. The recreation workers had no worries about the fields or the lights being looked after as Russell would make sure that was taken care of.

He coached hockey from beginner to High School. He never skated but he could coach. He knew hockey inside and out. He held a Hockey Canada Safety Program Certificate for minor and severe injuries to players. Dad met a lot of great people and enjoyed his years of coaching.

While his children were playing sports, he also umpired many great games of ball at many levels. He held a National Level 6 certificate in umpiring for softball as well as a National Baseball Coaching certificate.

Russell was a huge volunteer in the communities of Port Hawkesbury and Port Hastings over the years. He volunteered at the 25th and the 50th Anniversaries of the Canso Causeway. He was President of the Point Tupper Heritage Society and was very proud of his Point Tupper roots.

Russell’s next proudest accomplishment was being part of the Knights of Colombus, Cape Nova Council 7924 for many, many years. He held different positions with the KOC including Grand Knight. His last position was with the 4th Degree Assembly in Mabou.

The Knights of Columbus was a huge part of his life. He made many wonderful friends whom he always considered family, including special brothers, Joe, Marcellin, and Peter.

He volunteered with Christian Services of St. Joseph’s Church and helped all those in need. During Mass he could be found at the back door meeting, greeting and telling stories to those who entered the church. You never knew whether the stories were true or not.

Russell was a man of many talents, from singing, wood working, and telling stories. He had as many tools as Canadian Tire and everyone knew to go to Papas’ shop when a tool was needed. He would tell you to keep the tool that you needed as he always had a “couple more just in case”.

Russell is survived by his one true love, Jean, their children, Mary (George), Russell Jr (Glenda), Colton (Jade), Cody (Brenna), Taylor, Bryanna (Colin), Machara (Beamer), Tyler (Jane), Dylan (Molly), Codey, Kayla (Kyle); great-grandchildren, Tanner, Paisley, Layton and Cooper, who were the joy of his life-Papas’ treasures.

He is survived by sisters, Katie, Yvonne (Don), Joan (Gary), Martina (Francis) and brother Jimmy (Darlene) as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by special friend/brother Larry (Isabel) and predeceased by confidante/co conspirator/troublemaker Sam (Marg).

He was predeceased by granddaughter Megan, parents John David and Lida MacNeil, sisters- Clara, Marie, Mona, Beatrice, Stella, brothers- Malcolm, Johnny, Artie as well as siblings deceased in infancy.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation, Funeral Mass will be held on 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 25th in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 138 Granville St., Port Hawkesbury with Father Joby Augustin officiating and followed by a Celebration of Life at the St. Josephs Parish Hall. Family flowers only. Donations to be made to St. Jospeh’s Parish Vision.

Family would like to thank, Dr. Glenn Gallivan, Lindsey, the Home Care Nurses and the Palliative Care team for their continued support over Russell’s journey. A huge Thank you to the CCA’s of Inverness County Home Support Agency, whose care and compassion for Russell as well as Jean was second to none. Their care has allowed Russell’s wish come to be, which was to be at home for End of Life Care surrounded by his loving family.

A special Thank you to Nancy Jones for allowing her husband George Jones to spend time and collaborate music with Russell.

Le Fleur and Dryden are now seated with their hero, Russell, at the arena cheering on the “Habs”.

Arrangements are under the care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Homes, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com