Trot Insider has learned Gerard MacNeil, 60, of Sydney, NS, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019, surrounded by family and friends at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, due to lung cancer complications.
He was born Saturday, September 27, 1958, the youngest child of the late Mike ‘The Prompter’ and Mary Sarah MacNeil, Shenacadie, NS
Gerard was a former member of the Cape Breton Horsemen’s Association and Nova Scotia Harness Racing Commission. He was an owner, trainer, driver at Tartan Downs during the 1980s and ‘90s. His first lifetime win came aboard Shirleys Power over Busy Bonnar (late Barry Dubois). Gerard was a former associate judge and starter with the Nova Scotia Harness Racing Commission, (NSHRC) and pari-mutuel manager at Tartan Downs alongside good friend and mentor Dave Guy of Sydney Mines. He is uncle to Craig Mills of the NSHRC and baby brother of the Cape Breton Turf Club, Tartan Downs and now Inverness track announcer Gordie MacNeil. In later years, his greatest joy came from time spent with his godchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Gerard is survived by his older sisters and brothers: Jane (Teddy) Mills, Marlene, Allan (Sadie), Joe (Evelyn), Mike (Lorna), Bernie (Aileen), Reggie (Theresa), Leonard (Louise) and Gordie (Michele) and his faithful companion, Rascal. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sister in law Brenda (Bunny), brother in law Sheldon Pearson and nephew Gary Mills.
The visitation for Gerard will take place at the Pier Community Funeral Home from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019 and a funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at St. Theresa’s Church, Sydney with Rev. Dennis Lamey officiating.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Gerard MacNeil.
Very sad news. Gerard and his
Very sad news. Gerard and his brother Gordie are two of the finest men you could ever meet. Another great person taken far too soon by this terrible disease. Gordie,I would like to pass on my condolences to you and your entire family. RIP Junior!