Obituary of Thomas William MacNeil

MacNEIL, Thomas William “Tom” -age 65 of Urbania. It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Tom on March 24, 2020 in the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro with his partner of 37years by his side, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Tom was born in Halifax and was the youngest of 8 children to the late Robert and Alfreda (Murphy) MacNeil.

When he finished school he moved to Snow Lake, Manitoba, where he worked for Hudson Bay Mining. He then moved to Sudbury, ON; where he worked 10 years for Inco Metals. Thomas moved back to NS where he met his life-long partner and settled in Urbania. He had various jobs including Seabright Resources, carpet and drywall installation. His final job was driving a school bus for CCRCE. He loved seeing the smiling faces of the kids each day and was well liked and respected by both children and colleagues.

From a young age, Tom enjoyed working on old cars and fixing things and was fondly called “Tinker Tom” by family. He loved nature and animals and spent a lot of time outdoors hiking in the woods and enjoying the beavers’ antics at the pond. He was often in the company of the family dog on these journeys. He passed his love of nature to his children and grandchildren. He had a great sense of humour and would do all he could to help someone in need. He enjoyed watching westerns and nature shows. Above all spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by life partner, Betty Thibault; daughters, Delaney, Urbania; Amanda (Craig), Truro; son, Nathon (Leisa), Fredericton; grandchildren, Rainah, Jake, Quinn, and Logan; brothers, Robert, Halifax; Danny, Halifax; Gerald (Shirley), Boutilier’s Point; Malcolm (Ginette) ON; extended family; mother in-law, Marguerite Roy, Little Dyke; sisters in-law, Susan Beckett (John), PE; Deborah Nelson, Truro; brother in-law, David Thibault (Tracey), Moncton, NB;

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Roberta Gaston, Verna MacDougall and Georgina MacNeil; nephews Peter MacNeil and Andrew MacDougall.

He will especially be missed by his beloved partner, Betty and daughter Delaney who was the light of his days and never ceased to bring happiness every day and throughout his illness. They truly loved each other’s company and made memories together.

Special thanks to granddaughter, Rainah Wallace “Ray of sunshine” for your visits, bringing Jake and Quinn and always giving a reason to smile; Holly Gill, his daughter by heart, who no matter how long her day or how busy, she always made time to visit and text on a daily basis. Judy Harpell and the Gill family for all you have done and continue to do. It is appreciated. Michael Gilfoy, brother by choice, for all you do; brothers, Bobby and Gerald for all the visits and calls.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Home, Shubenacadie. A celebration of life will be held 1pm Saturday, August 22 in the Ettinger Funeral Home, Deacon Wilfred Boudreau officiating

If you wish, donations may be made to The Lodge that Gives, 5826 South Street, Halifax NS B3H 1S6.

Tributes, condolences and memories of Tom may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com