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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
MacNEIL, Joseph (Joe) - It is with deep sadness that we, his family, announce the crossing of the bar of Joseph MacNeil. Born in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, NS, on September 14, 1941. He was the son of the late Lawrence and Cathleen (Tutty) MacNeil. Joe enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in June of 1959, at the tender age of 17. He served on several ships including; HMCS BONAVENTURE x2, YUKON, BRAS D’OR, HURON, and MACKENZIE. Joe loved the RCN and excelled from the onset achieving “Top Recruit”, December 1959. His many years in the RCN afforded him to travel the world, and enjoy postings in Halifax, NS on the East Coast, Victoria, BC on the West Coast, and to our Nations’ Capital, Ottawa, ON. His early years in the Navy, Joe excelled in Boxing holding the “Atlantic Command Lightweight Championship”. He also coached and judged Amateur boxing for Nova Scotia and British Columbia for several years. In the early 1980’s, CPO2 Joe MacNeil was the Head Coach of the West Coast Gun Run Team, which was a very rewarding appointment for his Naval career. The “Chief” retired from the RCN in 1986 after accepting a position in Test and Trials at Saint John Ship Building where he spent several years on the Canadian Patrol Frigate Program. During his time in NB he trained the Saint John U14 Girls Soccer Team with Head Coach and long time friend CPO2 Bryce Reid (Ret’d) where they held the Maritime Championship Title and competed for a National Title. An extremely hard working man who never feared any task, he built his own home with help from family and friends then in turn assisted several family members and friends to build their homes. Always lending a helping hand whenever needed. He was preceded by his parents, Lawrence and Cathleen MacNeil, brothers, Lonnie, Bobby, Jack, and Normie. Also by his first wife, Nanda Sampson. He is survived by his girlfriend, Donna, brother, Dan (Debbie), sisters, Theresa (Ted), Kay, and Sally (Jimmy), his sons, Jimmy (Deborah), Roger (Monica), Joe (LeeAnn), Bobby (Janice), Rudy, and daughter Nanda (Kris). Grandchildren; Courtney, Meriah, Shanna-Mary, Jesse, Samson, Colin, Emma, and Kai. Great granddaughters; Tesla and Raiya. Also, many loving nieces and nephews, countless friends and shipmates.
We
honor a life that was lived to the full,
Ships served in:
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For Posterity's Sake 
