Loving husband of D. Alyson (nee Foster) McNeill for 44 years, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by Alyson, son and daughter-in-law Dean and Alison McNeill, grandchildren Jordan, Brandon, Ethan, and Claire McNeill, and siblings Desmond (Catherine) MacNeill, Claire Struble (Al Harris), Edith (David) Curley, and Catherine MacNeill. He is predeceased by his parents Leonard and Marie (nee Gallant) MacNeill, brother Ronald (Noreen) MacNeill, and sister Lorraine (Albert) Landry.
Born in Miscouche, Prince Edward Island, Justin was raised on the family farm. After high school, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree at St. Dunstan’s University (now UPEI), then enrolled in the military’s Royal Officer Training Program to pursue a dental degree. He received his DDS from Dalhousie University in Halifax. His enrollment in the military was the start of a life of adventure. In addition to postings at various Canadian Forces bases around Canada, he was stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, Egypt during the Six-Day War in 1967, and West Germany during the cold war in the early 1980s. After 25 years of service, Justin retired as a Major from the military and set up a private dental practice in Ottawa. When he finally retired from dentistry, he and Alyson sold their home, bought a 44-foot trawler-style yacht and spent several years cruising around the Caribbean and Florida, occasionally making the trek back up to Ottawa, which they considered home.
Justin’s good nature, sense of humour, and love of life were infectious, and he made friends beyond number around the globe. He was a gifted woodworker, making beautiful keepsakes for his family such as cribs, rocking horses, toy boxes, sleighs, canoes and quilt-racks. He made the beautiful urn in which he will be laid to rest, as well as one for future use by his beloved wife. He was an avid SCUBA diver and instructor, and passed the love of diving onto his wife and son. He also had a love of archery, although during his posting in Egypt, his hobby landed him in hot water, as during target practice he accidentally put an arrow through the Base Commander’s cat. Unfortunately for Justin, his renowned attention to detail did not work in his favour on this occasion, as the cat was able to make it home to the Base Commander’s house, sporting an arrow in which Justin had taken the time to carve his name. It is unknown whether the Base Commander had a good sense of humour, but nonetheless Justin’s military career continued to thrive.
Throughout his life, Justin was a rock for his family, and so in his final days, his family did their best to be a rock for him. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him. His passion for life, unconditional love for the people in his life, wry sense of humour, twinkle in his eye, and handsome smile will never be forgotten.
A Graveside Service with Military Honours will be held in the National Military Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on Saturday, April 22 at 3:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of his Life at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
My thoughts are with your family.