William James O'Neil

Peacefully at home, loving and loved husband of Shirley  for 59 years;, father of Beth (Jake), Kathy (Roger), Ian (Luk), Pat (Hugo), Sue (John), and Rob (Karen); grandfather of Ashley, Jennifer Justin,  Isabelle, Daniel, Sam, Daisie, Beckett, Grace, Caoimhe, and Polly, and great grandfather of Theodore. Bill was born on the family farm, in Sandwich South, Ontario.  As a teenager he became involved in softball, both as a player, and later on, as a coach.  This interest and enthusiasm for the sport never wavered. In 1941, his Grade 12 Business teacher recommended him for a clerk’s position with Canadian Postum (later General Foods), He decided to join the RCAF in 1943, and left the service in 1945, returning to work, and after 44 years, retired in 1985 as Plant Purchasing Manager. He and Shirley were married in 1956, and when the plant closed in Windsor in 1963, he was transferred to the newly built General Foods cereal plant in Cobourg. This was a major life change for the young family, but he quickly became a part of the Cobourg sports scene, first, as a coach, winning several provincial titles, then umpire, and Treasurer of the Cobourg Men’s Softball League for more than 40 years. He never lost his interest and enthusiasm, and after retiring as a coach, could be found at Legion Fields watching the games with his good friend, Layton Dodge.  As well, 3x a week aquafit classes at the Y kept him busy. Bill was a quiet man who enjoyed many things-his family most of all; a good joke; sitting in his lawn chair in the yard, smoking a cigar; a spirited political debate, or discussions on sports strategy, always with his keen mind working. Extra special thanks goes to our wonderful, supportive family without whom we could not have made this journey.  Thanks also to Cobourg Community Care, Central East Community Care, Veterans’ Affairs, and all the Personal Support Workers who assisted him. A gathering of friends will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King Street East Cobourg on Monday, December 14, 2015 from 7-9pm. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Cobourg (corner of College and King Street) on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please donate to YMCA Northumberland, Cobourg Legion Softball, or a charity of your choice. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com.