Leonard Samuel O'Neil

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of LEONARD S. G. (Len, Lennie) O’NEIL, MD. Len was born at St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish, Dec. 14, 1945. He was the eldest son of the Late Leonard and Eva (Mahoney) O’Neil, Mulgrave, NS

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannette (LaPaix); children, Dr. Sean (Mallory Buldoc) O’Neil, Texas; Stephen O’Neil (Grace Potter), Dartmouth; and Dr. Sara Woods, Lacey Washington; grandchildren, Lewis and Grace Woods; Aidan and Elias O’Neil; step grandchildren Claire, Lucas, Riley and Calla, siblings Brenda (O’Neil) MacNeil, Kenneth (Linda Cameron) O’Neil, Linda O’Neil and Marilyn O’Neil; nieces and nephews, Shauna, Erin ( Rob Eddolls) and Heather MacNeil; Daniel ( Alison Green) Kate O’Neil, Molly (Tyler Menard) and Maggie Flemming.

Leonard graduated from Mulgrave Memorial School, having spent 2 years at St. Augustine’s Monastery School for Boys. He graduated from Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, with a BSc in 1966. He then was accepted into Dalhousie School of Medicine, Halifax, graduating June 2, 1972, with an MD, completing the last two years of his studies through the Canadian Forces Regular Officer Training Plan. He went on to serve three years as medical officer at CFB Gagetown, NB. Following his honorable discharge he joined the Spryfield Medical Clinic where he practiced family medicine until his retirement.

Len was a sports enthusiast and played on the junior varsity team and intramural basketball teams at St. FX. He became an avid tennis player and continued at this game most of his adult life. The last several years of his life saw him on a local pickleball court in Clayton Park and he continued playing on a very regular basis even after his cancer diagnoses.

Leonard was an avid reader, particularly of history, was a lifelong learner and took every opportunity to take courses offered by Scans.

He was a person of faith who committed his life to helping and serving others, serving his church in various capacities in his younger years as a lay reader and as a member of the parish council. In recent years he served on the St. Mary’s Basilica Outreach program in downtown Halifax where he helped serve meals to people in need at the church hall even while undergoing chemotherapy.

Len had a great love of music and was gifted with a beautiful tenor voice which was featured in a solo at a concert at St. Francis Xavier University.

He loved to cook, study cookbooks, try new recipes and his pakoras were always a hit at every family gathering.

He demonstrated a belief that every moment is precious and continued this throughout his life, despite cancer. He was sympathetic of people in need and was a supporter of the Food Bank and the Challis Foster Care Program. He sponsored several children over the years.

The family and friends of Dr. Leonard O’Neil salute the courage, sense of humour and love of life he has given us throughout his life.

We wish to thank Dr. Jeyakumar and his team and the Palliative Care Service for their support.

Visitation: JA Snow Funeral Home, October 31st: 2pm to 4 pm and 6pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass: Saint Benedicts Church, 45 Radcliffe Dr. Halifax, November 1st at 12:15, 2023 noon.

No flowers by request. In lieu donation can be made to Chalice or charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.JASnowFuneralHome.com for the O'Neil family.