Michael Owen O'Neill

1947 - 2023

O'NEILL, Dr. Michael
May 9, 1947 - April 18, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Owen O'Neill, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. On the morning of April 18th, 2023, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's, Michael passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Michael was born May 9th, 1947 in Edmonton, Alberta. He is predeceased by his parents, Ambrose and Kathleen O'Neill, and his sister, Mary-Beth Sullivan. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Laurie, and his children, Grady (Nicole), Patrick, and Kerry (Mark), his six grandchildren, Padraic, Claire, Griffin, Christopher, Caitlyn and Norah, as well as his brother, Patrick (Lorna) and his sisters, Peggy, Maureen (John), Doreen and Loretta, and several nieces and nephews.
After graduating from medical school at the University of Alberta, specializing in Orthopaedics, Michael volunteered for a year in St. Lucia, BWI, along with his wife, Laurie, at St. Jude's Hospital. This was one of the many adventures he and Laurie shared throughout their life together, always supporting each other in their endeavours. They eventually moved to Victoria where he practiced orthopaedics until his retirement. He took great joy in his work, and was one of the organizers to help fundraise for hip and knee replacements through the 'Hip (knee) Hip Hooray!' walk. Michael was well loved by his patients, his colleagues and the nurses he worked with, for his skills as a surgeon, as well as his compassionate bedside manner, and great sense of humour.

Growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, as the youngest of 7, Michael benefitted from the doting love of his 5 sisters, and the friendship he developed over the years with his brother. He also enjoyed time to himself and was an avid reader with an uncanny ability to recall historical events and facts about nature with a particular love of hummingbirds in his final days. Michael loved nature, was an avid fisherman, hunter, sailor, and a huge enthusiast for any kind of outdoor adventure. In all seasons, he could be seen bicycling to work. He enjoyed many adventures with his motorbike 'buddies', and had a great love for classic cars. He loved his time spent windsurfing with Grady and Patrick, fishing and hunting with his brother Patrick, and moments camping and sailing with Kerry. He was able to share all of these activities with his grandkids at his favourite cabin at Sproat Lake. He was known for his huge enthusiasm for life in general and his sincere wish to share his passions with those closest to him. He had the ability to always see the best in others and truly believed that everyone he met had something to teach him.

Michael was a devoted Catholic, and found great strength in his faith. His spirit is now at peace. Although it is a relief that he is free from suffering, his absence will be felt as deeply as he was loved.

His family would like to thank all the exceptional caregivers at Piercy Respite, Summit Daycare, Sidney All-Care, and Saanich Peninsula Hospital, with special thanks to Dr. Walter Chow, Dr. Henri-Bhargava, Dr. Weiyi Song, and Dr. Michael Vaughn.

A funeral mass celebrating Michael's life will take place on May 5th, 2023 at 12:10 pm at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 2060 Haultain St. Victoria, BC. A prayer vigil will be held May 4th at 7:30pm, also at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Alzheimer's Society.