NEIL , Max O’Neil

Max O’Neil, a man with strong hands, a warm heart, and a love for a life well lived. With great love and sorrow, we share the passage of Max O’Neil, a devoted father, loving partner, inspiring teacher, agile farmer, avid sportsman, and spirited adventurer.

Max lived with a quiet strength and an open heart, always ready to roll up his sleeves, try something new, and support those he loved in a new adventure.

He will be missed by his loving wife, Deirdre, and his three amazing children: Sean (Kelly) of Colorado, Tara (Brian) of Georgian Bay, and Erin (Darren) of Barbados. He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Aidan O’Neil of Seattle; Grace O’Neil of Montreal; Mckayla Treasure, Danielle Treasure, and Olivia Treasure of Barbados.

Max, a farm boy, met Deirdre, a city girl, when they were 17, going to Medway High School. Eight years later, after attending different universities, they married. One week after the wedding, they both began teaching at Medway, with adjoining science labs. Max was a science teacher and head of science, a role that suited him perfectly. Endlessly curious and drawn to facts and figures, he enjoyed sharing his passion with his students.

Max was a farmer who worked alongside his brother Stu on his family’s Century Farm, land cleared by his ancestors and inhabited only by O’Neils for generations.

Max was an athlete through and through, best known as a hockey player scouted by several big-league teams and captain of his university team. He was equally passionate about golf, baseball, tennis, running, and biking, finding joy in both playing and coaching.

Max was also a traveler and adventurer, having walked 195 miles across England, sailed a 52-foot sailboat in the Greek Islands, and explored his ancestral roots in Ireland. He and Deirdre traveled to many countries with friends.

He was a true partner—encouraging, hands-on, and always up for an adventure with his wife, children, and friends. He loved his family, cherished the farm, enjoyed teaching and sports, and believed in getting things done. Max O’Neil, a man with strong hands and a warm heart.

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