John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life.
With heavy hearts but with great peace the family of Merlyn Watson McNeill wish to announce his passing on March 8, 2024 at Paradise Villa. He was born on September 22, 1934 at Dorne Ridge to the late Watson and Nellie (White) McNeill.
He was a wonderful devoted son, husband, father, uncle, Papa and friend to so many. Merlyn was a one of "kind", gentle, wise, humble man who trusted God to carry him along life’s journey.
Left to cherish his memories are his dear wife Margaret (Graham) McKay, "his girls", Beverly Dillon (Andrew), Carol McNeill-Dobbelsteyn (Peter) and "his boy" Dwight McNeill. His cherished grandchildren Kelly Walton (Shawn), Nicole Johnson (Shawn), Leanne Reid (Rob) and his adored great grandchildren Danielle (Matt), Isaac, Claire, Jared, Anna, and Marlee. Sister-in-laws Karen McNeill and Shirley Bubar. Special nieces and nephews Heather, Darren (Linda), Jennifer (Paul), Jeffrey (Joanne) and Linda (Dale). His step-children David Lyons (Debbie), Jennifer Bastarache, Valerie MacDonald (Steve) and Gail Godin (Alyre). Step-grandchildren Dustin (Christie), Joey (Melanie), Jason (Josee), Thomas, Robert, James (Fiona), Danielle (Graham), Dominique, and Emilynn (Brent). Step-great grandchildren, Kaleb, Blake, Lilly, Amalia, Dylan, Sydney, Gwen, Sophie, Hudson, and baby Oliver.
He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Rena (MacDonald) McNeill, sister Miriam (McNeill) Hanson, brother-in-law Ken Hanson, brother Vernon McNeill, sister-in-laws Gladys Underhill (George), Hazel McDougall (Lucious), Helen Greer (Granville), Elva Pratt (Richard), Frances Carney (Rodney), brother-in-laws Harold MacDonald (Doris), Doug MacDonald (Velma), Clarence MacDonald (Margaret), Robert Bubar and step-son Eugene (Gene) McKay.
He devoted himself to every employment over the course of his career. After retirement he volunteered for approximately 20 years where he dedicated himself to assisting patients and visitors as a greeter and way-finder at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital. His passion for helping people shone through in his everyday walk.
Merlyn attended church from a very young age giving his heart to the Lord after attending revival meetings. Over the years he actively served the Lord in different capacities at several churches. His strong devotion to his Faith touched many and his great desire was for all to come to know his dearest friend Jesus.
Everyone knew how much he loved hymns and gospel music and you could always find him playing and singing with his guitar or mandolin with many of his cherished family and friends earlier in life.
From childhood he had a love of dogs, especially German Shepards, treating each one like the valuable family member that they were.
Merlyn’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. David Barry and staff for their dedicated care of Merlyn and for the excellent care and compassion shown to him from the staff and caregivers at Paradise Villa Inc. and Extra-Mural staff.
A celebration of Merlyn’s life will take place on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the Douglas Baptist Church, 1012 NB-105, Douglas, NB E3G 7J4
Visitation from 1:00 - 2:45, Service at 3:00 with Pastor Peter Moore officiating, Reception to follow at 4:00.
Pallbearers: Andrew Dillon, Peter Dobbelsteyn, Dwight McNeill, Shawn Johnson, Shawn Walton, Alyre Godin, Steve MacDonald, Jason Hoyt
Honorary Pallbearers: Rob Reid (grandson-in-law), Darren Hanson and Jeffrey McNeill (nephews), Joanne Pratt (niece), Donnie Pratt, Gerald Pratt (nephews).
In lieu of flowers for those who wish, donations may be made to the Food Bank, Community Kitchen, Homeless Shelter or to a charity of their choice