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January 10, 1931 - March 2, 2019
With joy for having known him and heavy hearts for his loss we celebrate the life of our family member and friend, Rusty.

Rusty was born to Dora (Royal) and Dan "O" McNeil at Caledonia Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. One of 9 children, 5 brothers and 3 sisters, he was predeceased by all but one brother, Alex. Rusty married later in life to Margaret (Gallant) McNeil, who passed away in 2008. Much more of his East Coast family info was published by his loving nephew Richard (Donna) McNeil in the Cape Breton Post.

Despite an excellent academic record, Rusty decided to see as much as he could and left home at age 16. He eventually settled for the warmer temperatures of BC, working in the bush as a faller for almost 50 years. Because he was in BC for so long and settled in Bowser, BC with wife Marg, he developed a West Coast "family" as well.

He will be sorely missed by Kristo (Susan) Kuun and children of Deep Bay ( Kristo was Rusty's good friend and really to the end was cared for as much as any father could expect); Rina Kuun of Deep Bay and children; also, nephew John (Adele) McNeil of Sooke, niece Judy Ryan of Victoria and niece Jacquie Phillips of Nanaimo, BC and daughters and his little buddy Buster. Thanks also to the staff of Trillium Lodge in Parksville for their care in his final days.

Rusty had a unique mind and could speak on pretty much any subject you cared to talk about, and he was always thinking up and implementing inventions of the duct tape and bailing wire variety. He even pre-built and replaced his niece's front stairs at the age of 83. He did things his way, right to the end.

No service was requested, and as per his wishes he has been cremated. In lieu of flowers, if you care to...donate to an animal charity of your choice in his name.



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