Obituary of Rev. Donald Edward McNeil

Father Donald (Don) Edward McNeil

January 10, 1932 - January 26, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Father Don McNeil, peacefully at home, just two weeks after his 91^st birthday.  Don was born and raised in Regina, SK.  He was predeceased by his parents, Eileen and Roderick McNeil; brothers, Ray McNeil and Jack McNeil; sister Maureen Reed; and nephew, Jeffrey Kirley.  Don is survived by his sisters Joan Kirley (Seattle) and Elaine Setter (Regina); sister-in-law, Connie McNeil (Calgary); nieces, Rhonda Basson, Dana Newberry, Kathleen Thompson, and Shannon Sinclair; nephews, Rob McNeil, Rod McNeil, Ross McNeil, Brian McNeil, Neil Setter, Craig Setter, and Dan Kirley, as well as many great nieces, great nephews, and dear friends.

During his lifetime, Father Don shared his faith and served as a parish priest, RCMP chaplain, clinical psychologist, volunteer, and a friend to many.  He was very proud of his service as a Catholic chaplain for the RCMP depot chapel in Regina for 34 years. During his last 10 years of service at the depot, he volunteered his time to the RCMP cadets and the Catholic community.  He was always willing to help and generously gave of his time and resources.

One of Father Don’s favorite charitable organizations that he helped initiate was The Blue Mantle, a non-profit business in Regina that accepted used clothing and furniture donations to help the poor and needy.  Father Don also initiated the formation of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Regina and worked as their Spiritual Advisor.  Don dedicated many hours to helping others in need, in whatever way he could, often gathering his friends to become involved as well.   In 2017, Father Don was the proud recipient of the Governor General’s “Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers” in recognition of his many years of charitable service.  He was honoured with this prestigious medal at the RCMP Chapel in Regina.

A special and heartfelt thank you is extended to his long-time caregivers: Joy, and Nurse Maria Barredo, as well as the Unit 4B nurses and staff at the Pasqua Hospital.  A Funeral Mass to Celebrate Fr. Don’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, 5020 Sherwood Drive, Regina, SK. Viewing available in the church prior to Mass from 12:00 to 12:45 pm.  The funeral mass will be livestreamed and can be accessed by using the following link: https://youtube.com/live/3Izpfw0Y4b8?feature=share    Donations in Father Don’s name can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.