Obituary of Edward Vincent McNeill

MCNEILL, EDWARD VINCENT – Peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospice, Sarnia, Ontario surrounded by his family, on September 17, 2013 at the age of 86. Beloved husband of Wilma (Jenkins) for 60 years. Loving father to Carmen McCracken, Richmond, B.C. Lonnie McNeill (Faith), Church Point, Nova Scotia, Timothy McNeill (Caroline), Sarnia, Paula Vanderburg (Gary), Sarnia, Nancy Sonier (Glenn), Corunna. Proud grandfather of Craig McCracken, Joanna Barker & Jennifer McCracken-Chan (Dean), all of Richmond, B.C., Derek, Dominique, Garret & Samuel McNeill, all of N.S., Tyler & Jessica McNeill, both of Coldstream, B.C., Elizabeth Murphy (Richard), Corunna, Christina Ward (Rob), Corunna, Chantal Sonier, (Tyler Taylor), Sarnia, Daniel Sonier, Sarnia, Christopher Sonier, Toronto, Veronica Daye (Jordan), Mooretown, Jacob, Justine and Mary Frances Sonier, all of Corunna. Great-grandfather of Everett and Marilyn Chan, Richmond, B.C., Noah & Ava Murphy, Corunna, Ella, James & Leah Ward, Corunna, Lily, Maximus & Callum Taylor, Sarnia. Survived by siblings Margaret Cooke, Dr. Hubert McNeill (Christine), Summerside, Prince Edward Island & Dorothy McNeill, Toronto, & sisters-in-law Monica & Florence McNeill, Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Edward was predeceased by his parents Daniel and Pearl (Tamlyn) and brothers Francis, Ronald, John, Tanton & Gerald McNeill, sisters Gertrude Mullins, Pearl Murphy and Anita Manion, his son-in-law Joseph McCracken, and Irwin Barker, husband of granddaughter Joanna Barker. Edward grew up in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, the third youngest of 12 children. After graduating from St. Dunstan's University in Charlottetown with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1948, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He served with distinction for over 23 years as a navigator on the Lancaster, Neptune and Argus, achieving the rank of Captain. After his retirement, he served for several years as Commanding Officer for the Air Cadets at CFB Cold Lake Alberta and CFB Penhold Alberta. At the age of 45, Edward embarked on a second career as an elementary school teacher. He taught for 20 years at Sacred Heart and St. Helen's Schools, where he was respected and loved by his students for his gentle demeanor and endearing sense of humor. He was told countless times since his retirement that he was, indeed, the favorite teacher for so many of his students. Ed was a passionate golfer, being extremely proud of achieving a hole-in-one three times. Edward was devoted to his wife Wilma, his best friend and soul mate, since their marriage on October 24, 1953. He will be sadly missed and forever loved by Wilma, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia on Thursday September 19th, 2013, from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Vince Gulikers at Sacred Heart Church, on Friday September 20th, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Interment Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to St Joseph's Hospice, 475 N. Christina St., Sarnia N7T 5W3. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of Edward McNeill in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 21st, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area