1938 - 2010 - It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John O'Neill, 72, of Moncton. John was born and raised in Toronto where he taught school for over 35 years with the Toronto Board of Education. John retired to Moncton with the love of his life, Claudette, his wife of 25 years. John was a loving and caring man. Meeting John for the first time, one would suspect they were in the company of an aristocrat. He was well traveled, well spoken and well mannered; a true gentleman in every regard. One of the highlights in John's career was his teaching exchange to the south of England. This allowed him to do jaunts to various countries on the continent and to keep his Irish roots alive with frequent visits to Ireland. He also attended a reception at Buckingham Palace for tea with royalty. With his marriage, retirement and move to Moncton, John enjoyed becoming part of Claudette's family and experiencing the culture and pace of life in his new home. In the last few years John battled leukemia bravely and did not let this stop him from his travels. John loved to travel. He loved visiting relatives in the old country (Ireland) and also came to Alberta to visit on many occasions. It was in Red Deer that he and Claudette first met. John was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Evelyn O'Neill and his two older brothers, William Crawford and Leo O'Neill. John leaves to mourn his loving wife Claudette, their children, Terry and Laura, grandchildren, Whitney and Mitchell, sister-in-law Margaret Seemann of Calgary, nephews William (Kim) Crawford, Calgary, John (Darlene) Crawford, Oshawa, Mark (Linda) Crawford, Red Deer, Brad Crawford, Toronto and cousins in Ireland, Norman and Robert McKittrick. John will also be missed by his grand nieces and nephews, Jeremy (Jenny), Leanne and Lisa, all of Calgary, Brenda of Oshawa and David and Ashley of Red Deer.
In respect with John's wishes there will be no viewing or funeral service. A graveside service will be held at Paquetville, NB at a date to be announced. Memorial donations in John's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Fair Haven Funeral Home, 1177 Salisbury Road, Moncton (506) 852-3530. A book of condolences may be signed at www.fairhavenmemorial.ca