July 19,1934 - May 25, 2023
It is with profound sadness that the MacNeil family announces the passing of Robert, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother peacefully on May 25, 2023, in his 89th year.
Robert was born in New Waterford, Cape Breton and remained a proud Islander until his death. As a young adult, Robert moved to Yellowknife, NWT to carve out a path and later would move to North Bay to take a position with Poulenc Pharmaceuticals. His sales territory was huge and spanned across all of northern Ontario.
He met his wife Irene in Port Arthur. They soon married and moved to Sudbury. After one year, Robert and Irene moved to Ottawa where Robert worked with the federal government. Always looking for a challenge, Robert and Irene would decide to take a leap of faith and open a pharmacy in Chapleau, Ontario, a community that both Irene and Robert quickly grew to love. Robert played a very active role in the community he loved so much. He was chair of the Catholic school board, church choir director, church organist, and an ordained deacon in the Hearst diocese. He was known by many in town as the town jeweler. Robert had a remarkable ability to change watch batteries in record time with only the minimum of colorful language.
Upon retirement, Robert and Irene settled in Midhurst where they spent much of their time at the cottage he so loved. Robert had an unwavering adoration for his family. He loved music, singing in the Saint Mary’s Church choir and Saint John Vianney funeral choir. Robert loved people and animals. He had an amazing sense of humor. His humor, along with his devout faith, carried him through life. An avid shopper and collector of ties and shoes, he was always on the lookout for a good bargain. He never left the house without being meticulously dressed for the occasion.
The son of Anna-Mae MacNeil and John Alexander MacNeil. Predeceased by siblings John Angus, Theresa, Agnes, Anne, Bernadette, and Charlie. Survived by his brother Michael (Burlington), his wife Irene (Barrie), son John (Winnipeg), daughter Jennifer (Barrie) and grandchildren Brianna (Winnipeg) and Liam (Barrie). He will be remembered by his friends and family, including many nieces and nephews, as spirited, generous, gracious, and kind, a true gentleman.
A visitation will be held at Adams Funeral Home (445 St. Vincent Street, Barrie) on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from 6-8pm. The funeral mass will follow on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at St. Mary’s Parish (65 Amelia Street, Barrie) at 10am with reception to follow in the parish hall.
The MacNeil family would like to thank the staff at Mill Creek for their compassion and care for Robert during his final years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mill Creek, St. Mary’s Parish, or an animal shelter of choice. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca.