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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McNEILL, Lonnie Edward
“Do not mourn me, celebrate me.”
Lonnie passed away far too early on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at the age of 69. His life left a positive mark on everyone he spent time with. His life was first and foremost about his wife, family and friends. He will be fondly remembered reading, playing around and running wild with his grandchildren. When Lonnie wasn’t playing, he was pursuing his passions: running, golf and hockey. It brings a certain comfort knowing that he passed doing something he loved.
Lonnie was born on February 24, 1957 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was born into the military lifestyle which he adopted into his adult life serving 34 proud years as an Officer of the Royal Canadian Navy. Hard working and dedicated, he continued to leverage his professional acumen with DFO and subsequently with the consulting firm CAPSJ, where he revelled working with long time best friend and comrade in arms Peter Johnston.
Active in his community, he was a devout supporter of the Special Olympics, Clare Mutual, Clare Golf and Country Club, and he was a reliable reader at mass. Regardless of whether he was employed or volunteering he applied the exact same level of commitment, ensuring things were completed to the highest of standards.
His contagious laughter will forever be missed. A benign comment or scene would frequently bring him into an uninhibited wheezing hysteria, which was a delight to witness. He was a soulful dancer, happy to express himself on the dance floor. Lonnie was predisposed to ruminate (dwelling McNeills), despite this he was relentless in his optimism, often able to stay playful and goofy. His unending patience and steady hand were available to all be it advice on the ice, help with homework, or filing income tax returns for his “rotten kids.”
Lonnie would not wish for a prolonged mourning period. He’d prefer a celebration; despite the solemn goodbye, a glass would be raised, with stories and laughter shared. We are forever grateful to him for the litany of treasured memories, and we will carry his loving, joyful spirit in our hearts forever.
Loved deeply by his family, Lonnie McNeill is survived by his wife Faith. Loving father to: Derek (Kayla) of Church Point, Dominique (David Moser) of Bridgewater, Garret (Caitlin Mason) of Halifax, and Samuel (Karley Rossignol) of Edmonton. Pops to his grandchildren: Connor, Alice, Uma, Warren, Violet, Claire and Maya. He is survived by Siblings: Carmen McCracken of Richmond, Timothy McNeill (Caroline) of Sarnia, Paula Vanderburg (Gary) of Sarnia, and Nancy Sonier (Glenn) of Corunna. His father and mother-in-law Bucky and Medora Dahlgren, Aunt Dorothy McNeill, numerous nieces and nephews, his lifelong friends Peter and Sue-Ellen Johnston with their children, brother and sisters-in-law Glenn and Karen, Sherry and Dave, Joan and Phil. Predeceased by parents Edward McNeill and Wilma (nee Jenkins) McNeill.
Funeral Service to be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Weymouth on Saturday November 7th at 11:00 a.m. and a Celebration of Life at the Clare Golf and Country Club, Comeauville to follow at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia.
As we learn to live without him, we will navigate this loss each in our own way, and as Lonnie would say
“Everyone walks their own camino.”
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