Max O’Neil
August 8, 2025
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.
Leave a tribute for Max O’Neil
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Deidre, Sean, Tara and Erin and families My sincere condolences on Max's passing he will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him. I hope that the memories you all hold in your hearts will bring you comfort and peace in the coming days. Thinking of all of you.
Deirdre, So sorry to hear of your loss. Not many can call Max a; neighbour, coach, teacher, mentor and chaperone. He was all of those to me. We were neighbours on the 13th concession. He was my coach on the Medway hockey team. He taught me senior chemisty at Medway. He was very influential in my decision to attend the University of Guelph, his alamater. Who can forget his duties as chaperone on the 1971 Medway Yugoslavia trip! Thank you Max for being such a positve and influential person in my formative years.
Deirdre and family; Max was a good neighbour and friend to many. He was a well respected teacher and thought a lot of his students. So much so that some of us got moved from the back of the classroom up to the front. Thinking of you.
Max and I started at Medway in the same year. He become a trusted colleague, a good friend, a great host and fellow member of the "gourmet club" and a steady hand for anything worth doing. My condolences to Deirdre and the family.
Deirdre and family: My sincere condolences on Max's passing. May the memories of the happy times you shared bring you comfort.
Deirdre & Family, We were so sorry to learn of Max's passing. A fine man who lived a long and meaningful life. Our sincere condolences.
Mr. O’Neil was a great teacher at Medway. It was a pleasure to have known him. Deepest condolences.
My condolences to family and friends. I certainly remember Mr. O'Neil from my days as a student at Medway. He helped instill a love of science that carried me through my university degree!
I remember Mr. O’Neil as a great science teacher at Medway. Condolences to family and friends for your loss.
We both know how much Max will be missed in the Medway area farming community! Our condolences to Deidre and family Kareen and Bob Springett
Deirdre, My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Max was kind, gentle soul, who always engaged in friendly conversation whenever we met. Thinking of you and sending hugs. ~Chelsey
My deepest condolences, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. I have known Max a long time and have great memories throughout the years. May he rest in peace.
Max was a classmate, teammate, and all round great guy!
My condolences to all of Max’s family . Always was a good conversation when I had the chance to talk to him . My sympathies at this time .
Sending our sincere condolences to you, Deirdre and your family, on the loss of your loving husband, father and grandfather. May the wonderful memories you have with him help you through the difficult days ahead. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Gary and Bonnie
Deirdre, we are all thinking about you and your family. Max was a wonderful man and we will cherish all of our memories together. He is already missed dearly at Oakcrossing.
So sorry to hear the sad news. Max and I go back a long way . Ever a gentleman . Stella and I send are sincere condolences
Deirdre & family Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. Max will be missed many. We had many good times with Our London Gourmet Group & the dinners were always delicious.
A donation has been made to the Ilderton United Church in memory of Max O'Neill from Elvy Urbshott, Wayne and Julie Urbshott.
Deirdre, Sean,Tara, Erin- my sincere condolences to the entire O’Neil and extended families. Max will be dearly missed. May the good memories you hold in your hearts, give you peace, strength and comfort in the days ahead. Heaven has received another angel and we on earth must live on. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP Love and Blessings to all.
Deirdre, Sean, Tara, Erin & Families, I wish you peace while you navigate this new journey with out your beloved husband, amazing Dad & ever-loving Grandpa. Keith & Nancy have welcomed him & will give him the grand tour, Im sure. 💞
Services for Max O’Neil
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
August 26, 2025 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
August 26, 2025 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
August 27, 2025 11:00 am
Additional Service information
Reception to follow
We are deeply sorry for your loss Deidre. Max was such a special soul — someone we loved so much and who brought light, warmth, and joy to everyone around him. His presence made a difference in our lives, and his absence leaves a space that can't be filled. We will miss him dearly, but we’ll carry his memory in our hearts always. We are thinking of you always.
~ Juniper Staff