William Edward O'Neil

1925 - 2015

William Edward O'Neil William Edward O'Neil (Bill) was born to Katherine Fratt O'Neil (Kelly) and Eugene Haggerty O'Neil (Tip) in Everett, Washington on December 23, 1925. On February 15, 2015, surrounded by his wife, Nina, his children and grandchildren, Dad cleared his final "high hurdle" in this world. Dad is now with son, Willy and daughter, Kelly, who preceded him in death in 2004. Also preceding him in death were brothers, Eugene and Fred. Dad is survived by his wife of 60 years, Cornelia Marshall Peabody O'Neil (Nina); their children, Paul, Molly, Jim (Ann), Eunice and Gene (Dawn); son-in-law, Gerry Henson (Kelly); grandchildren: Arron Healy and Sarah (Guy) Healy Pyrzak, Meaghan and Katie O'Neil, Max and Sydney O'Neil, Louis William Henson, and great grand-daughter, Aliza Pyrzak (one year old). Dad's surviving brother is John (Ann) O'Neil of Bellevue and their four children. Dad's surviving niece is (Uncle Gene's daughter), Beth (Harold) Lammers and their two boys from New Franklin, Missouri. Dad grew up in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington where his father was the general manager of the Weyerhaeuser Mill for 29 years. He attended school in Snoqualmie Falls and graduated from Gonzaga Prep in Spokane, Wash. He lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball his senior year at Gonzaga Prep. He went on to the University of Notre Dame, graduating in three years in 1946. He was captain of the track team and an All American in the 110 yard high hurdles Dad served in the Army during the occupation after WWII. He represented the U.S. Army Ski Team as well as the U.S. Army Track & Field team in competitions throughout Europe and Japan. While in Japan, Dad and a teammate ran in an 800 meter relay event; this team of two Americans won against teams with four runners. Dad and mom were married on July 10, 1954 at St. Joseph's Church in Seattle. They moved to Everett where he began his career with Weyerhaeuser and Summit Timber Company. Later, with seven children his responsibility, he changed careers and became a stock broker and investment advisor. Dad spent time traveling the world to experience life with mom and their children. He and mom visited Molly in Germany, Jim in London, Eunice in Ireland, Gene (and Eunice) in Salzburg, Austria and with Kelly, dad sailed to Desolation Sound, Canada and beyond. Dad and Willy visited Eunice on one of his 24 trips to the Emerald Isle. He also visited Paul in Medjugorje, Serbia. Dad and mom especially loved their trips to Rome and the Vatican. Dad and mom's favorite destination was Ireland; where they visited Eunice and the Harpur family (relatives of Nina's sister Lee Evoy, actually). Dad had an international membership at the Carlow Golf Course and played there often with Betty, Brian and Ann Harpur. The Harpurs in turn, visited the O'Neils in Everett and Seattle. Dad promoted physical fitness with his participation in golf, skiing, hiking, water skiing and tennis. Everyone in the family learned to love sports through dad's enthusiasm and teaching. Dad was a life-long practicing Catholic. Immaculate Conception Church and School were cornerstones of dad and mom's faith and family life. Dad was instrumental in the annual priest golf day at Everett Golf and Country Club. Dad served numerous civic organizations with his investment expertise. William Edward O'Neil was truly the "Golden Retriever of Dads," as he loved every one of us equally. Dad was also as Proud as a Peacock of our accomplishments. On Friday, February 27, 2015, Dad's viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the Rosary at 5 p.m. at Solie Funeral Home, 3301 Colby Avenue, Everett, Washington. Mass will be Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 2501 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, Washington. Reception to follow at: Mattie Hall after the Mass. There will be a private burial at Mount Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Immaculate Conception School Endowment Fund: (www.icolphschool.org) The family would like to thank all of dad's awesome nurses from McDonald Employment Services, Inc. (Toni Caceres, who provided important and gentle care at the end of dad's life), Providence Hospice and especially, Tara Ross who has been dad and mom's caregiver (don't tell mom) since 2012. The End: Aloha, Auf Wiedersehen, Slainte and Sankzu Dad - we love you and will miss you terribly. GO NOTRE DAME!