Mr. Michael Gordon McNeil, age 75, a resident of Thunder Bay, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital with family at his bedside.
Mike lived in Marathon with his family until 1987 when he moved to Thunder Bay. Mike enjoyed music, and in his youth, he played in a band called the “the Ramblers”. At age 16, the Ramblers won a regional competition which resulted in a TV spot on a local station. The band remained lifelong friends. Mike also enjoyed watching hockey with his grandson Dylan, especially his favourite hockey team the “Oilers”. He also loved spending time camping with his family and friends.
Mike fought a hard battle with mental health and despite that struggle he managed to secure steady employment in the Mill in Marathon and later in the Thunder Bay Correctional Services as a Recreation Officer providing for his family. He retired in 2013 and spent time traveling with family and friends.
Mike will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years, Rawnie McNeil, and by his children Melissa McGuirk McNeil (Mike), Colin McGuirk McNeil (Raisa), Jamie Lynn McNeil (Adam), six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Also remembered fondly by his siblings Susan McNeil (Terry), John McNeil (Carol Anne), Maureen McNeil, Laurie David (Ron) and brothers-in-law Gary Fisher and Doug Fisher. Mike will be missed by his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mike will always be remembered for his caring and kindness to others as well as his sense of humour. He also offered support to those around him.
Mike was predeceased by his parents Ronald and Dorothy McNeil (Leck), brother-in-law Paul Beauregard, sister-in-law Judy Fisher, and several aunts and uncles.
The family would like to thank the staff and doctors of 5 North and 4 North at St. Joe’s for their care and compassion of Mike while he was there.
A celebration of life and scattering of ashes will be held in Marathon in the summer of 2025.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association or a charity of their choice are welcome in his loving memory.
