MacNEIL, Russell ‘Ruck’ Francis
New Waterford/Halifax
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Russell ‘Ruck’ Francis MacNeil at 87 years young. On June 16, 2018, our father, grandfather, brother and friend was called back home. We will miss him dearly.
Born to Mary ‘Molly’ Flemming and Michael ‘Mickey’ A. MacNeil on February 24, 1931, Russell was a proud Cape Bretoner who lived the majority of his life with his beautiful wife Isabel (MacMillian) on George Street in New Waterford. The pair moved to Dartmouth in 2005 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Russell is survived by his loving children, Bruce (Chrissie) MacNeil, Gordie (Sheila) MacNeil, Pamela (David) Howell, Daryl (Tracy) MacNeil, all from the Halifax and surrounding area, along with seven grandchildren, Marly (Chris), Dominic, Brett, Jenna, Kurt, Evan, Aidan, and one great grandchild, Tate Somers (Marly), who were his pride and joy. He was also loved and respected by many nieces and nephews who were always a part of his life.
Russell was the last surviving child of Mickey and Molly, predeceased by his loving wife, Isabel; his brother, Gussie MacNeil (Rita); his sisters, Mary MacLeod (Ecky), Rita (Tommy) MacNeil, ‘Lottie’ MacNeil (Uggs).
In 1954, Russell graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with degrees in arts and education. He also played on two varsity sports teams: basketball and rugby. At the end of his university days, he became one of the first physical education instructors in the province when he taught at Mount Carmel School in New Waterford. He later became the Recreation Director for the province of Nova Scotia. Russell was honored and privileged to hold many titles including General Manager of the 1987 Canada Winter Games held in Cape Breton. He was president of the Eastern Junior A Hockey League for 14 years and was also a founding member of the New Waterford Coal Bowl Classic. From 1989, until the very end of his working days in 1998, he served two terms as MLA for the riding of Cape Breton Centre. Russell (Ruck) MacNeil was inducted in the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame, the St. F.X. Sports Hall of Fame and the New Waterford Sports Hall of Fame. Russell had a passion for education and sports and the team aspect that went along with it. He carried this through his life, and would often be found reminiscing on these experiences and passing along life lessons to his children and grandchildren. Russell spent many days and nights at basketball, soccer and hockey games of his grandchildren, where he was always their biggest cheerleader.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 21, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford, 902-8627500. A Funeral Mass of celebration for Russell will take place in Saint Leonard’s Parish (formerly Mount Carmel Church) on Friday, June 22, at 10 a.m with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating followed by a luncheon at the K.O.C, Plummer Avenue, all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your charity of choice or the United Way.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mclellanfuneralhome.com.
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and I could say, I used everything you gave me.”