MCNEIL, Michael Patrick

Glace Bay

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the sudden passing of Michael Patrick McNeil (Bear), age 78, on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of Mary Christina (nee Martin) and the late John Joseph McNeil.

Mike was a big fan of country music, his idol was Johnny Cash. He was a long time and honorary member of the Hub Athletic Club, where he spent a lot of time meeting up with his friends. Mike the Bear lived in the senior complex on Minto St, Glace Bay. He could always be found sitting outside with his many friends that were all so good to him. Mike was a very quiet and friendly man. All who knew him loved him.

Mike is survived by his mother, Mary Mugford, and his four sisters, Shirley Wilkie, Mary Gracie (John), Linda Curran (Tony) and Barbara MacDonald (Nonnie). He is also survived by his brother, Norm Mugford (Clara), and many special nieces and nephews.

Besides his father, John Joseph, Mike was predeceased by his step-father, Donald James Mugford; brothers, John and Don; his sister, Diane Ruelland, and brothers-in-law, John Curran, Jackie Wilkie and Jules Ruelland.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Glace Bay General Hospital as well as the ER staff at the Cape Breton Regional hospital.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 20, 2017 from 4-9 p.m. in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay.

The funeral service officiated by Fr. Anthony O’Connor will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, September 21, 2017 in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation will follow. Interment will be held a later date.

A celebration of Mike’s life, and a luncheon, will be held at the Hub Athletic Club following the service.

Online condolences to the family may be expressed at; www.vjmcgillivray.ca.