Obituary of John Wilfred Mac Neil

It is with profound sadness that the family of John Wilfred MacNeil announce his passing which occurred on April 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his own home. Born on January 26, 1948, in Brantford ON, to the late John Angelo MacNeil and Flora Jean MacNeil (Richards).

John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years Catherine Joyce MacNeil; sons John “Jack” MacNeil (Julie) and Shawn MacNeil (Sandip); daughter Shannon Whalen (Derek); brothers Cameron MacNeil, George MacNeil (Lynn), and David MacNeil (Jeanine); sisters Marie Griffiths (Marc) and Cathy Drescher (Danny); grandchildren Jenna MacNeil, Samaiya MacNeil, Shayan MacNeil, Tucker Whalen, and Maxwell Whalen; in-law family Wesley Ratcliffe, Jeffrey Ratcliffe (Sylvia Richards), Linda Gould (Bill), Steven Ratcliffe (Lisa), and Barry Ratcliffe (Debra); as well as many extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents.

Next to his family, John was most proud of the time he spent serving within the Canadian Armed Forces. He spent 27 years serving as a member of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineering “RCEME” before retiring in 1996. John always looked back fondly and felt the highlight of his career was when he obtained the rank of Master Warrant Officer and served as the Equipment Quarter Master Sergeant Major “ET” with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment. After retiring, John missed the camaraderie of serving his country and in 1999 returned to the military serving another 15 years as a civilian on Base Gagetown before retiring to spend time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.  

The family would like to extend their gratitude to their special friend Stacie Field for her kindness, love, and support.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424). Visitation will be held at Brenan’s on Monday, April 29, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, with a funeral service on Tuesday, April 30, at 2:00 PM from Brenan’s Chapel. For those unable to attend the funeral service, please feel free to join via livestream using the following link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=dc79dd91-9eea-4989-bace-97b944d1dcbd

Donations may be made out to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.brenansfh.com.