BRUCE F. (STRETCH) MCNEIL

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BRUCE F. (STRETCH) MCNEIL December 8, 1932 - October 6, 2009 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Bruce Stretch McNeil, peacefully on October 6, 2009 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg with his wife, family and friends at his side. Remaining to forever cherish Bruce's memory are his wife Patricia (Truman) McNeil; children and stepchildren, Debbie (Mike) Burns, Patti (Phil) Edwards, Donna (Don) Sutherland, Penny (Peter) Litwiller, Kathy (Gary) Gough, Bruce McNeil, Tammy (Pat) Bonner, Brent (Jennifer) McNeil, Barry McCallister, Ryun (Laura) Truman, Susan (Mark) Roffey, David (Lorreina) Allison; 27 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his brother, Bobby (Pearl) McNeil, and many nieces and nephews. Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Maude (Roche) and Daniel McNeil; his wife and mother of their eight children, Lilyan (Reynolds); his sisters, Marie and Miriam; and brothers, Jack, Gerald, Thomas, Burton, Donald, and Daniel. Bruce was born in Spryfield, Nova Scotia on December 8, 1932. He joined the RCAF in 1950 and served his country for over 38 years. He was a highly respected flight engineer who spent much of his career at CFB Greenwood, NS. As a young airman, he was an active participant in sports, particularly as a baseball player where he acquired his nickname Stretch. One of the highlights of his sports life was throwing the first pitch at a Blue Jays Game during his tenure as Base Chief of Trenton. He played and coached hockey as well, but was first and foremost a family man who enjoyed his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews with obvious affection. He retired in 1988, serving the last eight years as Base Chief Warrant Officer at CFB Trenton, where his kindness, compassion and integrity touched the lives of so many. Since his retirement, Bruce suffered from ill health that continued over the years through which he demonstrated amazing courage, resilience and dignity. His smile always lit up the room and his knowing wink was a delight to behold. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Home Care workers who helped Bruce so much over the past eight years in Winnipeg, and to the doctors and nurses at Grace Hospital who so compassionately cared for him during his final few days. Remembered fondly by all who met him and beloved by all who knew him, Bruce will be missed by many. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd. with Rev. Msgr. Maurice Comeault P.H. presiding. For those who wish viewing will be held prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2009