John Roderick MacNeil

Our hearts are filled with grief and gratitude for our dear friend, John MacNeil. John was born in Sydney to parents, John Angus MacNeil and Elizabeth MacNeil. He lived with them and his sister, Florence "Flossie", until the age of 10. Both his parents died young. He lived with his aunts and cousins for a brief time before moving to an institution. John’s relationship with his cousin, Molly Maroun, was rekindled in his adult years and continued until she died. While his time living in Cape Breton was brief, John’s Celtic spirit was well formed from a young age. His love for a fine ale and a lively Ceilidh meant many a kitchen party formed spontaneously in his midst! John began his L’Arche journey in 1981 when he and Keith were welcomed into Debra and Jeff Moore’s home. As a member of our founding family, John has been teaching us how to live community for four decades. His lessons were countless and have spread around the world. Most simply, John knew what it meant to be a true friend. While his charm may have begun with a one finger wave, a blue-eyed glint, or a raised eyebrow, it was sustained through faithfulness. John called people to be present, to be themselves, to listen, and to celebrate unabashedly. His list of close friends is far too many to print. Please know who you are and know you are loved! John delighted in going to the "workshop". He was a longtime member of the candleshop crew who always laid claim to his favourite scraper and was not afraid to crank the stereo volume when backs were turned. He reminded us that work is just a few dance steps away from a party! John retired to Discoveries and further developed his artistic skills - crayon being his favourite medium. He also had a passion for bowling, date squares, church, days without a drop of rain, horseback riding, Christmas lights, crashing jenga towers, long drives, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, and a good bit of friendly teasing. John spent his final years and lived his final moments in his beloved home of Lighthouse. He had a long home-based journey with dementia. This drew a close circle of assistants, friends, and an amazing medical team around John. He was surrounded with extraordinary, and most deserved, compassion. And through these more fragile years he continued to be a true friend. When you visited John in his basement suite you entered a sacred space. There was an unspoken invitation to come as you are, to sit with him, and to know a world where love prevailed. To everyone who journeyed with John, we offer our incredible gratitude and deepest condolences. Donations in memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Visitation will take place at the White Family Funeral Home in Kentville on Thursday April 25th from 6pm - 8pm. Funeral Mass (with video webcast) will be held at 2pm on Friday April 26th at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Corpus Christi Parish, Kentville, Father John MacPherson officiating. Reception and storytelling to follow in the Church Hall. Interment will take place at a later time. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.