Patrick Russell O'NEILL

O'NEILL, Patrick Russell ("Dadaji")
1947 - 2016
Born in Montreal on December 19, 1947, Patrick died peacefully on August 31, 2016, at the age of 68 with his family by his side after a long battle with lymphoma. Patrick was predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth Stevenson and Lionel O'Neill. He is survived by his sisters, Nonie and Kathrine (Philip), his brother Aidan (Mary), and niece, Léliah (Marko), and more family and friends in Montreal and Tadoussac, Quebec, and in Kullu, India, than can possibly be mentioned. Patrick's family have been members of the Tadoussac summer community since the 1860s and he looked forward to his time at the cottage each summer where he would reconnect with his extended family and childhood friends on the beach, in long walks through the forest, and in humorous conversations over a cup of tea. Many cottagers still cherish the audio recordings he made for them many years ago which captured the sounds of the beach and long vanished fog horn duets. As a young adult, Patrick began a search for spiritual knowledge that led him to Kullu, India, in the foothills of the Himalayas. There he began a lifelong relationship with guru Swami Shayam. Patrick remained a dedicated member of the International Meditation Institute for more than 40 years, where he was known as "Dadaji" ("Big Brother"). He participated in meditation study with fellow Shayams in Ottawa and Montreal and supported members around the world through his eloquent letters, poems and journal blog. He impressed all who met him with his gentle and sensitive manner, his insight, knowledge, sharp wit, and humour. Patrick's family would like to thank the medical staff and caregivers at the Hematology and Palliative care units of the Royal Victoria Hospital who assisted Patrick in his final days. They also wish to thank his many friends in Montreal's meditation community who regularly visited him during his last weeks in hospital. A remembrance service and reception will be held in Patrick's memory at the Collins Clarke MacGillivray White Funeral Home at 5610 Sherbrooke Street West in Montreal on Saturday, September 10 at 1:00 p.m. "Death, be not proud, though some have called thee mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so". (John Donne)