Maj (Ret’d) Don MacNeil passed away at 68 years of age after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was a man fully dedicated to an impressive military career of 35 years that took him to many countries. He relished the challenges his career offered and always appreciated the honour of serving alongside soldiers from Canada and other countries. He was also glad for the opportunities and adventures military life presented his family.
Left to mourn are his loyal and loving wife Eliza (nee Karoulla), stepdaughter Joanne Mulholland (Julien) and granddaughter Georghia, stepson George, sister Yvonne, brothers Glenn (Michelle) and Brian and close family friend Carole Travis as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father Warrant Officer 2 Earle MacNeil, mother Margaret (nee Aylward) and brother Patrick (“Paddy”).
Born in St. John’s NL, Don attended Brother Rice High School and Memorial University of Newfoundland. Following a proud military tradition, he served from an early age as an Army Cadet throughout high school and commanded 2515 St. John’s Army Cadet Corps in his final year. As a bilingual Armour (tank) officer, Don remained a loyal officer of his Regiment, the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada, and wore its cap badge for his entire career. He commanded troops in operational missions inside and outside Canada, served in Germany, taught tank gunnery at the Royal Canadian Armour School, and served as a very effective staff officer in a number of positions. Always proud of being a Newfoundlander, Don was especially happy to return to his home province and serve at the NL Militia District HQ as Chief of Staff.
In 1994, Don was deployed to Rwanda with the United Nations where his valiant conduct, devotion to duty and distinguished service saved hundreds of lives and earned him a Mention in Dispatches award from the Queen of Canada. His other awards include the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the UN medal for service in Cyprus and the Canadian Forces Decoration for his 35 years of faithful service to Canada. His operational service was also recognized by the Canadian War Museum where some of his artifacts are on permanent display and in the Museum’s research library.
After removing the uniform, Don was employed as an operational planner at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto. He served as a focal point for his fellow Rwanda Veterans and organized several reunions with their former Commander, Lieutenant – General Roméo Dallaire.
Don was loved by many and touched all he came in contact with. His generosity of spirit, positive attitude, constant good humour, ability to cut through nonsense and jolly and friendly demeanour were legendary. He will be greatly missed by all.
Special thanks to the staff at Northumberland Hills Hospital Cancer and Supportive Care Clinic. Flowers are welcome and donations can be made to Northumberland Hills Hospital Cancer and Supportive Care Clinic in Don’s memory.
Friends and family are invited to a funeral service on Thursday, June 22 at 1pm in the Sacred Space of Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON. Burial will follow in the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood at 2pm. The family invites guests to join them for a reception in the Beechwood National Memorial Centre following the burial.
Digital Guestbook
Elvis Riou
Lorraine Dicks and Ben Davis
It is with great sadness that we heard about Don’s passing. We were blessed to have spent a few afternoons with Don, Yvonne, Glenn and Michelle since moving to ON. Mom and Auntie Madge (Don’s Mom) were very close over the years and Don certainly held a special place in Mom’s heart. It was remarkable to attend Don’s funeral, to speak with his Military colleagues, and to read about his significant contributions and sacrifices over his career. RIP Don. ??
Don was my intructor in Chilliwack who taught me much about being calm under stress. It was a shock to hear the news.