Michael Leo Martin O'Neill has passed away at the age of 68.

 

Michael was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Betty O'Neill, his sisters Peggy O'Neill, Patty Newman and Betty Troniak and infant brother, Matthew. Left to mourn are his sisters Mary Dorota, Louise O'Neill, Jean Gendron and Erin O'Neill, his brothers, Terry, Jack, Sean and Mark as well as many nieces and nephews.

 

Mike grew up in Hamilton, Winnipeg and Thunder Bay in the chaotic household of his large family. He was always proud of his Irish-Catholic heritage, though the murmurs of his canonization have turned out to be rumours. 

 

Mike was a thespian from his early days. After performing in high school plays in Thunder Bay, he and some fellow actors started the Moonlight Melodrama theatre in the 70"s. Though Mike left professional theatre many years ago, he remained a poet and loved preforming. He could be heard reciting his poetry at a coffee club here or there or in the middle of family gatherings requiring little or no invitation!

 

Mike worked at many restaurant and construction jobs over the years and became a craftsman in his own right despite no formal training. He was a bon vivant and, as the saying goes, you can sometimes have too much of a good thing. This, apparently, could rub some people the wrong way. But, that was Mike and which way one was rubbed did not often make it to his list of priorities. 

 

Mike had a good heart and spent much of his life taking care of our brother, Terry, for which we will always be grateful. For his nieces and nephews, Mike created Christmas and birthday cards with cartoon characters participating in funny stories about the recipient, which was always a nice treat for them. 

 

Life was often difficult for Mike, particularly in the last several years as his health was getting the better of him. He tried, though, to retain his sense of humour and we would see flashes of his stoic nature from time to time. Mike's heart finally gave out on March 16th. He will not soon be forgotten. 

 

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the many establishments on the "Corydon Avenue Strip" for their kindness and compassion given to our brother over the years. 

 

Cremation has taken place and the family will have a private gathering to honour Mike. Arrangements by Ethical Death Care.

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Mike's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.