Longtime horseman Francis Neil James MacNeil of Cape Breton, N.S. passed away suddenly on July 17, 2025 in Brantford, Ont., at the age of 74.
Francis was born on Oct. 27, 1950, in Gillis Point, Cape Breton, N.S. He was predeceased by his parents Catherine, Neil, and step mom Margaret MacNeil. He is survived by his wife Dianne; his daughter Katie, son-in-law Tyler, and cherished grandson Brooks; his sister Mary and nieces Jennifer and Stephanie (Rob, Jake, and Olivia); his brother Michael (Barb), niece Virginia and nephew Jason; and his sister Georgina.
Francis grew up in Cape Breton, where he developed a lifelong love of horses, a passion passed down from his father. He attended St. Francis Xavier University with the intention of becoming a teacher, but his heart led him to Ontario to pursue a career in horse racing. He dedicated much of his life to the racing world and later worked as a custodian, where he continued to impact everyone around him with his warmth and humor.
Francis had a gift for making people feel seen and appreciated. Whether he was sharing a joke, offering a word of wisdom, or cooking up something delicious in the kitchen, he brought people together with his kindness and his love of life. He was known for his big heart, generous spirit, and infectious laughter. Simply put, everyone loved Francis. He touched countless lives just by being himself.
Francis will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and all who had the joy of knowing him.
A funeral service will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel in Sydney, Cape Breton date to be determined. A celebration of life will also take place in Brantford, Ont., at a later date.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Francis MacNeil.
Great guy !
My very first job in harness racing was working for Francis at Flamboro Downs in 1981.
He had incredible patience for a green groom, it was very much appreciated. He could , (should ) , have fired me on the second day, lol.
Francis was well respected by his fellow horsemen and basically by everyone that knew him.
Our family will forever be grateful for the care and compassion he showed to Uncle Robbie for many years.
The stories were always hilarious.
Sincere condolences to family and friends.
My sincere condolences to to…
My sincere condolences to to all of Francis family and friends, he was one of the first horsemen I ever met when I worked with Blackwalnut stables. He always had something funny to chat about, was definitely a class act