With fond memories and great sorrow we announce that Rod O’Neill sailed off on a high tide with the moon full on December 16, 2013.
Born in Amherst, he was the son of the late John Warren O’Neill and Mona (Ripley) Duguay.
Dad loved all things outdoors hunting, fishing, sailing and camping. He cherished his family and loved having us all together in Tidnish. If he got wind we were on our way he would immediately start cooking. He loved feeding folks. He was an incredible story teller and musician. He was a friend of Bill W. and earned his 25 year chip. Dad carried on the family business J.W. O’Neill’s Grocery for many years. At 50 he made a life changing decision and closed the business and went off to the Nova Scotia Nautical Institute and studied to go to sea. He was very proud of acing the program with excellent marks. He returned to Amherst each weekend to work at the Amherst jail. He enjoyed his work in corrections and eventually went to work for the Justice Dept. as Deputy Sherriff. He retired as High Sherriff in 1997, after 15 years of service. He was grateful every day for reaching retirement which brought sailing and camping, moving to Tidnish, Saturday evenings with Bill, Donna and Harry, and his best friend “Papa’s Kitty”.
He is survived by children: John “Skip” and Donna, Patti and Geoff, Barb and Bill; Grandchildren: Justin Gogan, Erica O’Neill, Mallory O’Neill, Katie O’Neill, Shane Chapman, Samantha Chapman and one great grand-child Jaida Gogan. Former wife Marjorie O’Neill; sister Gail Vansnick and many extended family.
As per his wishes cremation has taken place, no visitation and no funeral service.
Internment will take place in the spring.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, Amherst (667-9906).
Donations may be made in Rod’s memory to the Tidnish Community Hall.
Online Condolences and Sharing of memories may be made to the family via: www.campbellsamherst.ca