Francis Xavier McNeil
June 2, 1926 - March 17, 2022
An Officer and a Gentleman
- Born in New Waterford, Cape Breton, June 2, 1926
- Middle child, 3rd sibling of 6
- Grew up quickly, supporting the family homestead from age 5 after his father died in a mining accident
- Dropped out of school to work in the coal mines at 13
- Given his last rights at 14 after an accident in the mines
- Lied about his age to join the Army as a Paratrooper at 16
- Jumped out of his first airplane at 17
- Went back to high school at 18, graduated at 22
- Married at 23 (February 6, 1951) to his wife and best friend of 71 years, Dollie
- Father to son Lorne at 24
- RCAF Navigator and Flight Lieutenant at 26
- Stationed in Nottingham, England at 29
- Father to daughter Faye Lynn at 30
- Met the Queen at 33
- Graduated university at 40
- Promoted to RCAF Captain at 41
- Chairman at Fanshawe College at 45
- Ran the Columbus Marathon at 65, finished 3rd in his age group. Qualified for the Boston Marathon (a knee injury stopped him from running)
- Grandfather at 64 and again at 66
- Made a legendary toast at both his granddaughters’ weddings at 90 and 93
- Died peacefully at 95, with his wife by his side
He never stopped living life, it was a gift. He never saw age as a barrier, only a milestone. He always treated people with respect, because they mattered. He was a true partner and a role model to everyone who had the honour of loving him. We were all blessed to have him in our lives and now in our memories, forever.
Thank you for your service.
Son of Dan C and Ethel MacNeil
Brother of Dorothy, Danny, Art, Mary and Donny
Husband and partner of Charlotte (Dollie) McNeil. Married for 71 years
Father of Lorne and Faye Lynn
Grandfather of Lindsay and Karli
Great Grandfather of Owen, Emmett and Charlotte
A Celebration of Life will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 3:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. A livestream of the Celebration of Life is available for those who are not able to attend in person. Please click here to view: Francis Xavier McNeil’s Celebration of Life livestream
Burial at Beechwood Cemetery (National Military Cemetery) in Vanier, Ottawa, at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Francis are asked to consider Anova – A Future Without Violence.
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I am sorry to hear of Frank’s passing, My condolences Dollie, Faye, Lorne and Family. My husband Hughie and Frank were good friends, they were born in the same place and ran together for years. I lost touch with them after the passing of Hughie. Sorry Dollie and Faye.
My condolences on the loss of Frank. I worked in the office next to him at Fanshawe College (many years ago) and always found him to be friendly and respectful. May you find comfort in the memories that are yours to cherish always, and strength in the companionship of those who share your loss. God bless!
We'll miss Frank so very much. John and I ran with him in the marathon in Columbus, Ohio. The night before the run we assembled at the dining room at our hotel. A good meal, and for dessert a couple of scoops of ice cream. I did not enjoy mine, and Frank thought it was just great. Turned out it was two scoops of cold butter doled out with an ice cream scooper...I didn't eat mine, Frank did---and loved it. He came third in his group. We laughed about it for weeks after. Rest in peace, Frank.
Please accept my sincere condolences, Dollie, Faye, Lorne and family.
Frank will be sadly missed! He was like a father to me. He was my first boss at Fanshawe College and he was a wonderful boss and mentor. I worked directly with him for more than 13 years. He was a remarkable man and saw the best in everyone. He always amazed me that he could run marathons and do squaredancing as well as everything else. He spoke at our wedding. I enjoyed the times I got to see him at the occasional legion lunches where all the retirees and staff would meet a couple of times a year. He lived a great long life and he will be truly missed and well remembered. Dollie, Faye Lynn and Lorne and family please accept our sincere condolences.
Had the pleasure of working for Frank for many years at Fanshawe. He was by far the best boss, friend, coworker and first class gentleman I have ever known! Our sincere condolences to Dollie the family. Blaine and Simone.
On behalf of the members of the Fanshawe College Retirees' Association I would like to extend our condolences to Frank's family, friends, past co-workers and students. Our sympathies to all.
I love you so much grandpa. I will miss you always.
Always knew him as Uncle Puddin. Asked my father (Jim Wilson) once why I called him uncle and Dad told me it was because he was his heart brother. Then I wanted to know why everyone else called him different names than me. My father had endless patience with children and after my relentless questions he eventually asked me if I was OK with Uncle Puddin. I was then and that is what stays with me. My Mom & Dad's heart would be with Dollie, Lorne, Faye and family as is mine.....RIP Uncle Puddin
Sympathy to Frank’s family from a Fanshawe College administrator who had great respect for Frank, not just for his college accomplishments but also because he was a real gentleman.
The best grandfather a girl could have ever asked for. Love you grandpa.
RIP Francis i have known you for many years the last time i saw you was when i visited you in Nottingham after that by many phone calls again RIP Jim
I had the pleasure of working with Frank over the years at Fanshawe. Always the gentleman and eager to work with others to develop new programs. Sincere condolences to his family.
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Frank was my first boss at Fanshawe College and a wonderful man to work for. He lived a long and happy life and will certainly be missed.
~ Linda Brush