Sydney
It is with heartfelt sorrow that our family announces the passing of our beloved brother, Glen Joseph O’Neil, a brilliant talent of the fine arts and humanities, our fascinating storyteller, and most importantly the best of friends to those he cherished. Glen passed on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at home in Sydney.
Born August 1, 1963, to the late William ‘Bill’ and Nancy (Foote) O’Neil, Glen graduated from Riverview High School in 1981. After graduation Glen joined the Canadian Armed Forces, becoming an aero-engineer mechanic.
Glen furthered his education at St. Francis Xavier University, attaining his BSc in Psychology in 1991.
Upon completing his degree, Glen adventured throughout Canada, returning occasionally to Sydney where he eventually settled to be close to his parents, especially his beloved mother, Nancy.
Through the years Glen would become a mechanic, a counselor, a carpenter, a welder, and jeweler. You could even add actor to his credentials.
An avid reader, he would educate himself on any topic he found fascinating, to the benefit of his evolving talents or to better himself and to share with others.
But where his true passions resided were in the fine arts – expressed through his music and art. Now…Glen would argue that both were in their infancy despite having practiced both for decades. For those of us who had the opportunity to enjoy his guitar playing firsthand, or bare witness to his artwork – we knew we were witnessing someone with a special talent and passion.
As for him being a captivating storyteller – his “gullible travels” adventure stories as it were – he was a natural, and man did his stories make us laugh. Many of his stories were so outlandish how could they be true … but they were both!
Glen’s passion for his artwork was lifelong, and really began to flourish in the last couple of years. He had completed sketches and paintings for so many over the years, and his focus on honing his skills and recent projects really showed the maturity of his talent.
Glen recently partnered up musically with Angela MacDonald their duo known as “Angel Station”, performing at local venues throughout the summer and fall. Glen expressed both nervousness and joy each time he got on stage to play. We wish he could play for us forever!
Glen is survived by his daughter, Nicole; granddaughter, Paige; siblings, Catherine (Bob), Rick (Mana), Maureen (Shane) and Kevin (Christine); nine nieces and nephews; cousin, Andy (Carmie) who was more like a brother to him and his ES-335. He also left behind all of YOU – his fellow artists, musicians, coffee drinkers, and life-long friends.
Besides his parents, Glen was predeceased by his eldest brother, William Jr. in infancy, and brother-in-law, Mark.
Grab your coffee (or Guinness), share your stories, and reflect on the person who loved so much, who filled our lives with both joy and now sorrow, and whose passing leaves a huge void in our hearts. He is sorely missed by both friends and family! We love you Glen, be at Peace.
A celebration of Glen’s life will be communicated to all at a future date.
Donations in memory of Glen may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Meeting Glen through his guitar playing was a story in the making a true talent. My condolences to your family.
From: Robert Clemens
Always looked forward to see Glen and begin some conversation – he could take you on a vocal ride and you would have to hang on for dear life 💔 I’m proud to say I have a O’Neil portrait in my home ❤️ RIP My friend you were one of a kind ❤️
From: Allie MacInnis
I will miss him very much. He was a shining light, even though he honestly didn’t know it. Shine on, my friend I’ll always be thankful I knew you.
From: Lynn Hussey
Glen was a nice fellow and a good tenant , he rented from me since 2011, my condolences go out to the family and friends of Glen .
From: Mike Mac Donald
sincere sympathy to the family of Glen O’Neil. He was a beautiful soul- always a pleasure to be around!
From: Francine Pertus
So very sorry to hear this terrible news . Sending condolences to all. 🙏💔❤️
From: Lori Rudderham
Rest easy Glen ❤️ I will never forget your infectious smile and funny spirit. Or your musical and creative talents. My heart is with you all. Xo
will never forget Glen.
Patrick & Famely from Swiss 🇨🇭
I first met Glen in 2006 at the Radar Base where he lived while attending school. We spent that first year together doing Basic Welding.
We’ve been great friends ever since.
He was hands down one of my favorite people.
He was always in a good mood and always had the nicest things to say.
He seen the good in everything and everyone.
The man was so Talented in so many ways.
He just mesg me 3 weeks ago telling me how exciting he was to get started on some artwork of me and my pup. ❤️
Said it should be done around x-mas.
I was so looking forward to seeing my friend again and well, seeing just some of his amazing talent. 😞
I will forever cherish our friendship and the time we spent together.
I’m sorry you had to leave us so soon. 😥 See u on the other side brother.
May you rest in peace 🙏
I first met Glen while filming Squanto but got to know him better on set of Margaret’s Museum. Like many, I run into him at coffee shops and we’d discuss our guitars/motorcycles and etc. in many ways he beat to a different drummer. Hugs to all of his family, friends & acquaintances. RIP Good Sir!
True essence is a summary of Glenn. Cousins are our first friends. Your brother has left a legacy, Please accept our deepest sympathy. Laurie Mancini
Nicole, Catherine, Rick, Maureen, Kevin, Andy and family our deepest condolences on Glen’s passing. It was so nice talking to Glen at his mom’s wake. His mom was my godmother so we chatted a bit about younger years. Please take comfort in your many happy memories. Donna (Reid) & Nick Rutherford
I only recently learned of Glen’s passing in December. I knew Glen as a school friend in high school; and remember him as a funny, kind and a very honest and thoughtful young man.. After many years later, it was so good to catch up through his work as a talented jeweller. He was a kind man and I offer my condolences on your loss of Glen.
Lena Mahoney-Petrie
Maureen and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved, Glen. Sending love,
Wendy (Mombourquette) Martell
Heartfelt condolences to Glen’s family and many friends. A kind human with the most wonderful warm smile – I will miss seeing him at the many coffee shops in our community. I regret not getting to know him better but reading all the wonderful stories, he sure was a blessing to so many. ♥️
The world has lost another great person with Glens passing we worked together at Plaza Ford and became friends.He enjoyed that I also love history especially RCAF stories.He will be missed.
My sincere condolences to Glen’s family.
Glen was such a nice guy, always a friendly smile and chat.
So talented. I am so sad, such a heartbreaking loss. I’m lost for words.
My sincere condolences. I lived with Glen in the summer of ’93 when I worked at the Fotresss. Saw him last summer and he looked great. I’m so glad I got to see him again. He was such a lovely guy, so sincere. Rest in peace Glen, thanks for sharing your talent, stories and heart.
Maureen and family,
Sending our condolences to you at this difficult time.
Hugs and love from
Colleen and Gary
A beautiful
Eulogy for a beautiful man . My deepest condolence to family and friends . Rest in peace Glen . I hope you are painting with Nancy and jamming with Jimi .
Condolences to the O’Neil family. I will always hold Glen close to my heart. He was my “Go to” for just about anything; theatre date, dance partner, walking, coffee, dinner, confidant.
Ride free on Black Angus in the heavens “Trapper”.
Condolences to all of Glens family. He loved like no other. Such great respect for his family especially his mom. JJ and I feel like we have lost a brother as well. I’ve never met such a down to earth intelligent perfectionist like he. Good speed.
Glen you were the nicest guy i met since ive been back to sydney ,,, you were the back bone of my kitchen at el jefe and i always knew we would become friends til the end,,,, im forever sad that the end came so fast, i will definitely miss seeing you everyday walking all around these sydney streets…. was the sadest news to hear of your passing since my nannie ,,, love you brother may you r i p and keep the angels smiling with all you have to offer
My sincerest condolences to his family and his musical partner Angela
I enjoyed watching them play in off each other’s talents and create some very wonderful sounds
I’ve known Glen since I was in my teens when he’d come to my place to jam on the guitars. I last spoke with him via Messenger this past August after catching him at a gig on the waterfront. I told him how great it was to finally see him up on a stage playing gigs. He was always so positive and encouraging towards me and my playing through the years and reading the online comments, this appears to be something Glen has done for many. Every time I’d bump into him, we’d always talk about getting together again for another jam. I’m sad now that the opportunity is gone. He was a great guy, super talented musically and artistically and I will miss seeing him around town. My condolences to the O’Neil family and all of Glen’s friends.
A kind man that did not have anything but positive and uplifting thoughts for all. Rest easy my recent friend. Too soon.
I was lucky enough to be paired up with Glen on a job at the Halifax shipyard back in 2010. We killed some time between shifts checking out guitars at music stores and grabbing drinks at the pub. I’ll always smile when I think of Glen and am lucky to have known him. RIP buddy.
Sending lots of love to his family and friends, hugs
Dear Maureen and her family
My deep condolences to you and ur family.wishing you peace,courage and loads of luv.
Maureen, Cathy, Rick, Kevin, all Glen’s family and friends. He was one of a kind. I totally adored him. He messaged one day to meet him for coffee. Shortly after Nancy had passed. After we talked about her, he asked if I would be interested in playing together. I told him I had a gig the next week. It was a daytime, low key gig. I said why don’t you come and noodle around. There will be no pressure there and he did just that. It was magic. We played for 3 hrs. He played like he had written every song! He made me smile everytime I seen that cheeky grin. He wanted to build an A- frame, buy my Kia, keep his mororbike, buy more gear to play and save up for our ” tour bus” lol. What a fabulous person. I am so sorry for the loss of your mom and your brother in such a short time. It is so ironic our mom’s were the best of friends growing up. He use to say our moms were together in heaven connecting us! May he rest in peace, and be externally happy. He left wonderful memories for us all. My love to you all.
-Angela MacDonald♡♡
Whenever I would run into Glen, I always left the conversation feeling good. He had that affect on me and I am sure, many others. RIP my friend.. You will be missed by many. Condolences to the O’Neil family. Your wonderful memories/stories will keep him alive for years to come. Sending love..
Dear family, We were so sorry to hear of Glen’s sudden passing. The obituary captured the beautiful essence of his life, his many talents and wonderful personality. Our sincere condolences to you all. He will be missed by so many whose lives he touched.
Our Condolence to the family no words can express the loss of your family member and my dear friend , Glen and I use to go for drives and a meal and it was always an experience no matter what the subject Glen had it covered , I was amazed of his life experiences and talents . I met Glen out West working at CNRL and the in the first turnaround Glen had save us from what would have been a terrible accident..love you Brother Fly High Glen
I had met Glen in passing through my dad Robert.
He had done a beautiful portrait of me and my dog Bear last year which I will cherish it forever.
Rest Easy Glen. You were loved by many.
Also sorry to hear of glen’s passing…..I considered him to be a great friend. I met him years ago and would run into him here and there at coffee houses…always catch up on our lives…..A great guy gone too soon..
I thank you Glen, for your absolutely, awesome and inspiring talent. And also for your deeply authentic, friendship. Sending love to all who cherished you and feel your loss. We will miss you so! Isha xxx
Just an awesome guy … we started out from Greenwood to the world… your stories are safe Glen… til we meet again~.
Condolences to family & friends~ his memory will stay with you I am certain…..
Heartfelt condolences to Glen’s family and friends. Reading through the outpouring of comments on social media the past few days, he touched many souls on his journey. Rest in peace my friend.
We are heartbroken to hear of Glen’s passing. We had known him for almost 10 years, and his kindness, talent and interesting conversations will be missed. He came to our house to jam with Bob more than once. We had invited him over to watch a movie about Vincent Van Gough with us, and he loved the movie so much that he teared up while watching it. Such a gentle soul.
Our sincere condolences to you all.
Bob, Mona and John Gill
❤️❤️❤️ R.I.P. Brother.
My heart goes out to Glens Family and friends. Glen was such a Great Friend and one you could trust. To have Glen come to your home for a meal and a drink meant you were out for a great time and some great conversation. I am so lucky to have had such a friend. Over the years I have witnessed someone who made sure if you were his friend you were not forgotten and always made time for you. We have lost someone who has touched so many people in so many ways with his zest for life and passionate personality. Glen will be missed and live in us with so many memories.
My deepest condolences to Glen’s family and friends on your loss, my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Mo and family so sorry to hear of your loss of Glen.
Treasure your memories and God Bless.
Love and hugs.
An amazing person all around. I’m so glad that I was able to spend time with him this past summer. So gifted!
Kathy, Rick, Kevin and Maureen, my heart goes out to you.
Your cousin Fran
My sincere and heartfelt condolences on Glen’s passing.
I guess I met Glen about 15 years ago through a mutual friend, and we’ve been friends ever since. He was an easy guy to be friends with, as I always enjoyed running into Glen and having a conversation about music, art or any other small talk… whether it be walking down the street, getting a watch fixed or sharing a pint.
I sincerely hope that I am able to get home and share in a celebration of the life of a simply great human being!
Cherish the memories that you have of Glen. Rest easy my friend.
Mark
My deepest condolences to you Maureen and your family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love & Hugs
Jennifer
The world seems dimmer without our beloved friend, Glen- a true Renaissance Man, limitless in his capacities for development, his pursuit to embrace all knowledge and develop his own capacities as fully as possible. Musician, artist, philosopher, welder, storyteller/writer, debater, peace maker, bodybuilder, orator of kindness- how we will miss thee. Our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and delighted in the magic of this man.
The Tobin Family (Crystal, Donna, Stephanie, Matt, Jesse & Dylan)
The world is diminished because you are gone.
But it sure is a better place because you were here.
You had so many commonalities with John. Annoying, funny, talented, brilliant…but mostly, amazingly loving.
I will miss your confusing advice, your handsome face, and your big hugs. I will watch for you everywhere you walked, this is difficult to process. I will remember your gentle voice and your kind gestures. I will miss that slow pace up Hardwood Hill. But I will remember you loved with intention. You gave graciously and I’m grateful to have received your gift of friendship. Give John my love when you get where you are going. Gather all the good guys and solve the world problems. Forever loved my friend xoxo
I had the pleasure of meeting Glen in 2009 when I interviewed him for Mentality Magazine to discuss his wonderful art practice. Ever kind, humble and sweet each and every time we met afterwards, running into Glen always turned into my favourite exchange of the day. Glen had a way of making one feel connected, like you mattered so much.
My deepest sympathy to Glen’s family and friends. His presence on this earth will surely be missed by all who were ever lucky enough to have known him.
My family and I were so sad to hear of Glen’s passing. I enjoyed playing music with him and every conversation we shared was a blessing for me. So unique, talented, brilliant and humble. I will always cherish the memories and the influences from such a great person! Thank you Glen.