Kirk Marcellinus MacNeil, fully surrendered into the arms of Jesus, passed away February 3, 2021.
Kirk was predeceased by his father John Patrick and sister Alexis. He is survived by children —Geneviève (David), Trystan (Heather), Katrina, and Desirée, and grandchildren Caspian, Galadriel, Freddy, Isaac, IndianaRose, and EmilyMay. Survived by his former wife Janet, his mother Rhodena, siblings Rhonda (Sal), Al (Isabel), and Stella (John) along with his nieces and nephews Brandon, Kyle, Cassandra, Paula (Stephan) and Meghan (Faith). Many special thanks to the Fellowship CRC community and the staff at Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre who lovingly cared for Kirk in the most sensitive of times.
Kirk was born March 7, 1954, in Glace Bay, NS and later grew up in Toronto, ON. He was always proud of his Celtic Cape Breton roots. In his youth, Kirk hitchhiked from Scotland to Israel, and in North America, Alaska to Mexico.
As a young boy, Kirk felt a calling into ministry, which he answered after completing his BA at York University. He went on to earn a M.Div. at Calvin Seminary, in Grand Rapids, MI. He served congregations in Whitby and Lindsay, ON and Lacombe, AB. He was instrumental in organizing citywide March for Jesus campaigns. Tackling systemic addictions and gambling, Kirk spearheaded two plebiscites removing VLTs from Lacombe. His convictions led him to promote justice and protection for victims of sexual abuse. Walking alongside the wounded, bringing light into the shadows; what the broken would call “garbage,” Kirk saw as gold.
Kirk had a flair for the dramatic, shared his enjoyment for many different types of music, wrote and told fascinating stories, and, in his last years, became a prolific painter. An avid reader and deep thinker in theology, history, geography, current events, and politics, he also delighted in both popular culture and the arts. He was known for his humour and quick wit—both a lover of puns and a prankster.
His long struggles over at last, he awaits his Savior’s call back to life in God’s new creation. Rest well, Dad. We’ll meet you in the Highlands.
Donations in Kirk’s honor may be made to the Fellowship CRC Refugee Committee; e- transfers can be sent to fellowshiptreasurer454@gmail.com.
Anyone wishing to join a virtual memorial service at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 13 can email roy.berkenbosch@kingsu.ca for details.
Saddened to hear of cousin Kirk’s passing. May your memories comfort you in this time of sorrow. Mine are of the younger days and the fun times at my mothers “Katies” home in Reserve Mines and Benacadie Pond. She always had a place in her home and heart for Kirk and we all felt the same. His kindness and thoughtfulness will always be remembered.
Marilyn, Pat, Holly