MacNEIL, Melvin Joseph

Age 72, passed peacefully at his home in Halifax on December 6, 2019. Melvin was a peaceful warrior making his way through the world with kindness and generosity. Facing many challenges, he walked (quite literally) through life with a quiet dignity that those who encountered him always felt. Melvin spent many years working and socializing with colleagues and friends at the CNIB. He was a music lover whose knowledge would surprise and delight his family and friends on a regular basis. He was predeceased by his parents, Neil and Genita (Gallant) MacNeil; baby brother, James; brother-in-law, Derek Dawe; and dear friend, Sandy Doucette. He is survived by his siblings: Sister Carmelita PVBM, Allan, Loretta Dawe, Rita, William (Audrey), Gloria Savidon (Clyde), Teddy (Dora), Paul (Clarice), Theresa MacDonald (Ivan), Gary (Daphne), Catherine Flynn (Fred), Hughie (Melva), Kevin (Amanda), Martin (Al); many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family are very grateful to Monica Flynn, the VG Palliative Care team and the nurses of the VON for their dedication and support. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 28th from 1-4 p.m. at Jennys Place, 6211 Lady Hammond Rd., Halifax. Visitation will be held in Stephenville, N.L. in Russell’s Funeral Home, 57 Prince Rupert Dr., Sunday, January 5th, from 7-9 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held in St. Stephen’s Church, 78 West St., Stephenville, N.L. on Monday, January. 6th, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Hillside Interfaith Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences can be made by visiting: www. tjtracey.com