A well-known professional freelance writer from Meota has died.
James A. MacNeill was born June 24, 1933 in North Battleford and passed away April 12.
The former Battleford Telegraph columnist, author, poet and editor had a love of the written word and was a well-travelled, respected retired educator.
MacNeill had a love of history and spoke out about the importance of preserving history. As far back as 1996, in his newspaper column, he called attention to a number of historic graves at risk of sliding down the bank from the Battleford cemetery to the North Saskatchewan River. Those graves are only now in the process of being moved.
He was also one of the editing team who helped ensure the publication of the now late Mayor Julian Sadlowski's book, The Pictorial History of North Battleford, which included the history of the Saskatchewan Hospital, where MacNeill's grandfather pioneered innovations in the care of the mentally ill from 1912 to 1945.
MacNeill is survived by wife Arliss, his children Ellen (Brent), Cam (Ingrid) and Brooke (Brian). MacNeil had six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother Jock (Eileen).
