Randall James ( Randy) MacNeill

MacNeill, Randall James (Randy); 55, Halifax. “Neely” to all his friends, of which he had many, passed away on January 25, 2023, with his wife and sister by his side, following a 4 1/2 year battle with cancer. Neely was larger than life, his motto was to “keep on keepin’ on”. He fought with dignity and tenacity, referring to setbacks at “bumps in the road”. Randy’s positive attitude was one to be admired. He lived his life to the fullest, being able to attend sporting events when he was no longer able to play. He always had an event or game to look forward to. Randy was an athlete, playing hockey, fastball, slo-pitch, suburban and gentleman’s level. He gave 100% to any sport he played. The highlights were being a member of the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame inducted 1998 Truro TSN Bearcats Hockey Club and playing in several fastball nationals resulting in silver medals between the years 1994 and 1999. Randy was no stranger to the game of ringette, being introduced as a child by his mother and sister. He was eager for his daughter Alexa to play. He was an assistant coach and later coach. He had a gentle way with his teams and each player was very special to him. He brought out the best in everyone. There also may have been a magic trick or two by “The Great Randini”. Randy was a guy’s guy, and we are forever grateful to those who included him in every adventure. A special thanks to Mark (Eli) Laprise, Brian (Himmy) Himmelman, Paul (HoHo) Flemming, Cal (C-Bus) Bussey & Terry (TP) Schelleman. You always gave your time freely and selflessly. To know Randy was to love the person he was. I would be remiss if I did not mention that Randy was employed at Oland Brewery in Halifax for 20+ years. Being a dedicated employee, he would come home with a case of Keiths from NSLC and joked that he was bringing work home. A special thank you to the support from his union brothers, sisters, managers. In particular, Jamie Skinner and Rob Finn for their support over the years. He is survived by his wife Lucinda “Cindi” (Boutilier) and his daughters Alexa and Nichole (Tyler) Burns and their children Sawyer and Emerson, step father Doug Whitford, sister Shelley Cahill (Peter Black), Shelley’s children Mitchell (Megan) and Jessica (John), step brothers Scott (Cecilia) and Scott’s children Logan, Zachery and Jordan, Shawn (Marie) and their children Kenzie and Carson, aunt Emily Brown and her children Lynn, Nancy and Michael, aunt Louise (John) Sloane and their children Gail and Dawn, mother-in-law Jacqueline Boutilier. Randy was predeceased by his father John Joseph (Joey) MacNeill and his mother Myrna (Brown) Whitford. Many thanks go out to the amazing team of doctors who followed Randy through this journey. Special thanks to Dr. Alwyn Jeyakumar and Kim, Dr. Ashley Cox, Dr. Carman Giacomantonio, the amazing professionals in the chemo ward on the 11th floor and all doctors, nurses and administrators during his many hospital appointments and stays. He received world-class care from day 1. Cremation will take place at Harbourside Crematorium and according to his wishes a Celebration of Life has been organized. Sunday, February 26, 2023, starting at 2:00 p.m. at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road. Refreshments to follow. Hockey jersey, ringette jersey, ball jersey, crazy clothes (the crazier, the better) are welcomed and encouraged.

Randall James ( Randy) MacNeill

June 3, 1967 - January 25, 2023