December 9, 1935 – February 7, 2012

James Charles MacNeill

Jim passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 7, 2012, at age 76. He was at home with his wife, Ellen, and children, Kevin and Sam. He maintained a brave front in the face of a year-long battle with cancer. His strength of character and body was amazing to those who had the honour of witnessing his attempt not to let cancer get the better of him. His wish not to be a burden to anyone and his ever- kind manner toward his caregivers made it a pleasure for all those involved to do the most they could for him.

Jim was born in Prince Albert on December 9, 1935, to Art and Doris MacNeill. He grew up in Christopher Lake where the family ran a store & gas station. In his early 20’s he worked in northern Saskatchewan in the uranium mines, married his first wife, Opal, and had a baby girl, Beverly. They moved to Williams Lake where Jim worked as a mechanic. He moved to Hinton, Alberta, with his second wife, Adrienne, where they had two sons, Aaron and Dale. In 1968 they moved to Kamloops, B.C. where Jim purchased his first diamond drill. From that point on he developed a very successful drilling company over the course of 40+ years that eventually brought him back to Saskatchewan with his third wife, Ellen, and their two sons, Kevin and Sam.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ellen, daughter Beverly( Ken Adey), sons Aaron (Janet), Dale, Kevin and Sam; sister Lois MacNeill and brother Bill (Sharon); grandchildren Victoria, Kial and Janelle MacNeill (Aaron and Janet), and Christopher and Micheal Adey (Beverly and Ken). He is predeceased by his parents Arthur and Doris MacNeill and infant brother Ken MacNeill.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for all friends, co-workers and neighbours who wish to join them in honouring Jim’s life at Par Place on Friday February 17th at 3:00 p.m. Dinner will be served. Arrangements in care of Northern Funeral Service, MacKenzie Chapel. Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. 306.763.8488 www.northernfuneralservice.ca

• Date : 2012-02-07 06:00:00