Bateston
It is with the heaviest of broken hearts that we, the family announce the passing of Captain Stephen Patrick O’Neil at the age of 57 on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at home. He was surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren to celebrate an early Christmas when God called him home. Stevie waited until the last gift was open.
Born and raised in beautiful Bateston, Stevie spent most of his life on the ocean. He was a lobster fisherman for over 40 years and loved being outdoors.
Over the years, Stevie enjoyed playing baseball, hockey, hunting and a great game of tarbish. He loved sitting by a lake to cast his fishing rod or stopping by his local store for a coffee and a chat with the boys. In previous years, his love for hockey led him to coaching his eldest son’s team. He was so proud to be part of his son’s favorite sport. When he wasn’t coaching, you could find him in many arenas, year after year, cheering for him; his favorite player. During Stevie’s illness, Krystian took over his father’s lobster fishing responsibilities and that made his dad even more proud of him.
Stevie was also very proud of his youngest son’s achievements and loved it when he cooked for him and joined him for a game of darts or to listen to some Rolling Stones. He admired his confidence and was so proud that his boy Julian was so true to himself.
Stevie adored his only daughter and loved visiting her “Up the Road”, to talk about the day and to sit in his favorite chair. He loved their annual “daddy daughter day” and couldn’t wait for their time together. As years went by, Stevie watched his Kenzie become an incredible mom. She sure made him proud!!
Every morning you could find Stevie walking next door to read his brother’s paper and have a coffee with him. His favorite part of the morning.
Stevie had a great love for music; whether it was karaoke or a shed party, you could hear him singing along or showing off his famous dance move. He loved socializing; whether on the wharf talking to friends or simply talking to a stranger at the grocery store. He treated everyone the same; with a conversation and a smile.
During the last months of his illness, Stevie enjoyed seeing his fellow fishermen/women and members of his community. The support and comfort they gave him will never be forgotten.
Stevie leaves behind the love of his life of 30 years, Melinda (Campbell). He adored her and would always say “Babe, what would I do without you?” and she would say, “But my darlin Stevie, what will I do without you now?”. He also leaves behind three of his greatest accomplishments; the sunshine in his heart, his sons, Krystian, Julian and daughter, Kendra (Jeremy). Even near the end, he worried about them and loved them more then words could ever define; for a Dad’s Love is Immeasurable. He also leaves behind two of the most beautiful grandchildren in the world. Every time he seen them; his arms were as full as his heart. He cherished his grandson, Liam and granddaughter, Shayla. His love and pride for them will never die; “Bubu is gunna miss his little ones”. Stevie’s brothers and sisters meant everything to him, their support and unconditional love brought him comfort everyday. He leaves to mourn sisters, Arlene, Cathy and Linda (Claude); brothers, Gary (Belinda) and Kelly (Karen). He also leaves behind many in-laws that became his family the moment he met them; mother-in-law, Patricia and sisters-in-law, Juanita (Eddy) and Courtney (Jason); brothers-in-law, Robert (Heather) and Tony (Soula). Stevie also says goodbye to many nieces and nephews that meant the world to him, Courtney (Nick), Leandra (John), Alishia, Janna (Connor), Katelyn (Ian), Claudia, Logan (Emma), Luke, Lochlan, Dylan (Chelsey), Hayley, Josh, Owen, Avery, Carter, Anthony, John and niece and goddaughter, Chelsea (Stephen). He also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; all that hold a special place in his heart. Stevie especially loved when his family from away would come to Bateston for a fire on the beach and to talk about old times. Nothing meant more to him then being with the ones he loved so dearly.
Stevie was predeceased by parents, Colin and Elizabeth (MacLean) O’Neil; maternal grandparents, Neil Stephen and Annie Mae MacLean; paternal grandparents, Patrick and Catherine (MacDougall) O’Neil; aunts, Annette, Frances and his uncle, Robert. He is also predeceased by his beautiful brother, Ronnie.
Visitation and funeral Mass for the late Stevie O’Neil will be held in Immaculate Conception Church, Main-a-Dieu on Friday, December 20, 2019. A gathering of family and friends will be from 1-3 p.m. with the Mass to be celebrated at 3 p.m. with Fr. Evo Di Pierro officiating. Interment will take place in the parish cemetery. A celebration of Stevie’s life will continue at the Bateston Athletic Club immediately following the service.
Donations in memory of Stevie may be made to the Cancer Care Fund or Hospice Palliative Society of Cape Breton.
“Darlin’ I’ve loved you forever and forever I will love you. Wait for me on the other side of the stars.”
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
To Melinda and family
I am so sorry for your great loss at this time…May God bless you and give you strength…
From: Linda Wade
My deepest condolences on the loss of my cousin, Stevie. May your hearts be filled with the wonderful memories of joyful times you spent together as you celebrate a life well lived. We are saddened to hear the news about Stevie. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of my entire family.
From: Glenn O’Neil
So sorry to hear of Stevie’s passing. My deepest sympathy to his family. You are in my prayers
From: Della Fudge Chisholm
All my condolences to your family ,its been a
long time old friend remember the good times! Tonight we will raise a glass in your honour .Old time friend and fellow classmate,long live your memories,until we meet again CLASS OF 81.
From: JOHN AND JAMIE MARJETTI
My sincerest condolences to his wife Melinda and family. I grew up with Stevie and always considered him a friend.
Melinda & family. Our deepest sympathy to all the family in the loss of a caring, kind nephew Steven. He will be greatly missed by all.
Deepest condolences to you and your entire family Melinda! You will be in our thought and prayers during this difficult this difficult time. Lots of love!
So very sorry for your loss. Stevie was a good man, always friendly and interested in other people. Praying for strength and peace for all of Stevie’s family.
A fisherman`s life
Is from dusk til dawn
A fisherman`s life
Is definitely strong
A fisherman`s life
Is like waves that pound
A fisherman`s life
Is like a mind`s greatest sound
A fisherman`s life
Like a fish will end
A fisherman`s life
Is where a new journey begins
A fisherman`s life
Brings your Heart to the sea
A fisherman`s life
Is where he wanted to be
A fisherman`s life
Is never drowning your pain
A fisherman`s life
Is now God`s biggest gain
With deepest condolences to Melinda Campbell-O’neil and to all of your Family and Friends
May Stevie`s soul live on as great as his `Fisherman`s Life
R I P Stevie
So sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and your family.
So very sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to and your family.
Cathy and family…
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.
– Eskimo saying
My most sincere sympathies and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Kathie
Am so sorry for your heartache, special man gone to soon
My deepest condolences Melinda to you and your family. This type of loss is so life altering.
Melinda and family, I am truly saddened to hear of Stevies passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you all xo
My deepest sympathy, to Melinda, Krystian, Julian ,Kendra, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and extended family. I am deeply saddened, and send my love and prayers. He will be greatly missed! Danny
My deepest condolences to the family and friend
My condolences to my family; my cousins. Growing up far away, and being about 8 years younger, I remember visiting as a kid and Stevie was always the “cool, independent cousin” who had his own place and a wicked vinyl LP collection! We played album after album. He was always so kind to me.
My condolences to the family and friends of Stevie. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hugs Laurie Mancini
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. May the love and support of your family and friends help you and give you strength Xo
So Very sorry to hear of your passing . Sending our deepest condolences to you and family at this difficult time.
Melinda, My sincere sympathy to you and the family! Stevie will be truly missed by all. May you find inner strength to continue on with his love in your heart and the love of your family!
I unfortunately won’t be able to attend the funeral as we will be in Halifax. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Many blessings to you!
Our sincere sympathy on Steve’s passing. Tony, o.ur. family (AnneMarie, Vince and Shaun) and I remember him fondly from our days in Bateson. His legacy will most certainly live on.
Tony and Jane O’Neil
Linda, Cathy, Arlene, Gary, Kelly, Melinda and families.
So sorry to hear of Stevie’s passing. I will always remember him for his kindness and wit. My sincere condolences to you all…..Berly xo
Our sincere sympathy to the entire O’Neil family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dave, Mary French and family.
Dear Melinda and family
Please accept my sincerest Condolences on your great loss . Stevie and I chatted once in a while on Facebook but it has been quite a while since we actually had sat and chatted in person .
I remember vividly our last visit , he came down to Mum’s while I was home on vacation and was kind enough to bring lobsters for MUM and I . I never forgot him for that .
In his younger years I babysat once in a while for his parents . I always liked him and found him to be friendly and thoughtful .
I hope he is resting peacefully now with his beautiful Mother , Betty who I thought the world of and his Dad Collie . His pain and suffering is finally over . My thoughts will be with you in the months ahead and especially the day of his funeral . Take care my friend , sending love and hugs xox
To the Oneil family. My condolences. To you all. Thoughts and prayers always
Melinda, our sincere sympathy to you and your family . You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Karen and Joe Shea
Sorry to hear if Stevie’s passing. My condolences to his family, friends and community
Rest In peace, dear friend, i grew up with Stevie, went to school with him, it was a pure pleasure to have the chance to known a good and true friend, he always treated everyone the same, never treated anyone different. thank you my dear friend for giving me the pleasure to have the chance to know you. rest in peace, my dear friend, until we meet again. my thoughts are with all of the family, a great bunch of people. take care