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.
2022
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of O’NEIL Glen Joseph 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia