Max O’Neil

Max O’Neil, a man with strong hands, a warm heart, and love for a life well lived.

With great love and sorrow, we share the passage of Max O’Neil, a devoted father, a loving partner, an inspiring teacher, an agile farmer, an avid sportsman and a 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, his three amazing children: Sean (Kelly) living in Colorado, Tara (Brian) living on Georgian Bay, and Erin (Darren) living in Barbados.

Also by his more amazing grandchildren: Aidan O’Neil, living in Seattle; Grace O’Neil, living in Montreal; Mckayla Treasure; Danielle Treasure and Olivia Treasure, living in Barbados.

Max, a farm boy, met Deirdre, a city girl, when they were 17, going to Medway High School and 8 years later, after attending different universities, they were married. One week after the wedding, they both started teaching at Medway, with adjoining science labs. Max was a science teacher and head of science, a role that fit him perfectly. He was endlessly curious and drawn to facts and figures, and enjoyed sharing his passion with his students.

Max was a farmer working together with his brother Stu. His farm was a Century Farm, meaning that his ancestors cleared the land and no one ever lived on it but an O’Neil.

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. But he was equally passionate about all kinds of sport: golf, baseball, tennis, running, biking, etc. He found joy not just in playing sports but also in coaching.

Max was a traveller and an adventurer. He walked 195 miles across England, sailed in a 52-foot sailboat in the Greek Islands, and explored his ancestors’ country in Ireland. He and Deirdre travelled to many different countries with groups of friends.

He was a true partner, encouraging, hands-on, always up for an adventure with his wife, his children and his friends.

He loved his family, loved the farm, enjoyed teaching and sport. He believed in getting things done. He did not hold back; he leaned in.

Max O’Neil, a man with strong hands and a warm heart.

Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Home, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted in the chapel on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  For those who are unable to attend, a livestream of the funeral service is available.

To access the livestream please click: Remembering Max

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Max’s memory to the Ilderton United Church or the Alzheimer’s Society Southwest Partners.