July 21,1946 to October 25, 2014
William ‘Bill’ Carl O’Neill
William “Bill” Carl O’Neill, 68, of Kitimat, BC passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on October 25, 2014. He was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather “Poppa”, and friend.
Bill was born on July 21, 1946 and spent his early years at Onanole, Manitoba near Riding Mountain National Park studying, acting, playing hockey and football as well as working at Sportsman Park.
Bill married the love of his life, Carolyn, on August 29, 1970 and graduated from Brandon University with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and Sociology a few years later.
Having worked at the Alcan Aluminum Smelter, first as a summer student, then as an employee, as well as a Kitimat volunteer firefighter in the later 1960s, Bill and Carolyn relocated to Kitimat in 1973 where he began as a welder at Alcan.
They started their family in 1974 and Bill was promoted to foreman, then general foreman of maintenance and central shops with a few years in the labour relations department. He remained there until his retirement in 2001, after 30 years of service.
Bill enjoyed hunting and scuba diving in his early years, and golfing, skiing, visiting family, traveling, reading and especially time with his grandsons.
“There is much joy in seeing, experiencing and sharing things
through the eyes of a child.”
He could often be found at their cabin on Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers that he built, along with much help from family and friends. Certainly a favourite and happy “home” of which he was so proud.
Bill was a gentle, kind, quiet and giving man, always willing to offer a hand when needed. Education was most important to him and he exemplified a high standard work ethic, with honesty, fairness and integrity. The times he laughed, gave advice or simply listened will echo in the memories and lives of those he touched.
Bill is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife Carolyn of 44 years, son David, daughter Shannon (Scott), his beloved and precious grandsons Kaiden and Nolan, brothers Glenn (Donna) O’Neill, George (Theresa) O’Neill and sisters Pamela (Jim) Smith and Florence (Rob) Sauve, brother and sister in-law Dwayne and Irene Drinkwater, many nieces and nephews, extended family and one auntie, Marion Johnson. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Christine O’Neill.
The family extend a special thank you to all the staff at Vancouver and Kitimat General Hospitals, paramedics, air ambulance and Dr. B. Van Wyk for their professionalism and compassionate and loving care.
Also, sincerest thanks to Rev. Dr. Dona Lethbridge and all our dear friends and family near and far. We are so blessed and very grateful for your support, kindness and generosity of heartwarming cards, letters, phone calls, visits, flowers and food during this difficult journey.
A Celebration of Life was held at the Hirsch Creek Golf and Winter Club November 2, 2014. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Kitimat General Hospital Auxiliary.
“So many shared, wonderful and precious memories...
You will forever be in our hearts.”