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O’NEILL: John “Gator” Wayne

February 7, 2022 By 25 Condolences

O’NEILL: John “Gator” Wayne

O’NEILL:   Unexpectedly, after a brief battle with cancer, at his residence on Monday, February 7, 2022, John Wayne “Gator” O’Neill, of Crediton, age 61.  Much loved father and father-in-law of Emily O’Neill of London, John O’Neill “Jr.” of Crediton and Catherine O’Neill (Tyler Weber) of Londesborough.  Cherished grandpa of Ryan O’Neill, Alivia O’Neill, Sherman O’Neill, Jayden Dinney, Mila Weber and Charlie Weber.  Forever loved son of Audrey (Dempsey) O’Neill.  Fondly remembered by his partner Lori Ducharme.  Dear brother and brother-in-law of David O’Neill of Ucluelet, BC, Steve and Julie O’Neill of Exeter, Brian and Renee O’Neill of London.  Also remembered by his nieces Kaitlynn O’Neill, Kaylee O’Neill and Jeri O’Neill.  Predeceased by his father Jack O’Neill.  At John’s request, cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of his life will be held at 70180 Airport Line, Exeter, ON from 2pm-6pm, Saturday February the 12th, 2022. Be casual, be yourself, bring what you require.  Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood.  If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. 

Guest Photos

Shared by Lori Kennedy
Shared by Lori Kennedy
Shared by Lori Kennedy
Shared by Lori Kennedy
Shared by Skweeze
Shared by Skweeze
Shared by Skweeze
Shared by Skweeze
Shared by Don Stuckless
Shared by Don Stuckless

Offer Condolence for the family of O’NEILL: John “Gator” Wayne

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Filed Under: Dashwood, Exeter, Obituary

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Condolence Messages

  1. Lynda Heywood

    February 12, 2022 at 4:22 PM

    Sorry to hear of the sudden passing of John.
    Our thoughts are with all of you .
    There are so many good memories to cherish.
    Lynda,Jaymee,Ali Heywood

  2. Vicki and Mike Ducharme and Family

    February 12, 2022 at 11:28 AM

    Lori and the Entire O’Neill Family:

    Soo sorry to hear of the sudden passing of John. Had the pleasure of getting to know him at Rona Moffatt and Powell in Zurich the past couple of years. Keep all your memories close to help get you through now and the days to come. Sorry I am unable to make John’s celebration of life. Another one gone too soon! RIP John…He will be missed by many.

    Vicki and Mike Ducharme and Family

  3. Karen, Josh and Adam Windsor

    February 11, 2022 at 12:03 PM

    To Emily, John , Catherine and all the family we are so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great guy. Through these troubling days may you find some comfort in your wonderful memories. May he Rest In Peace

  4. Lorie Van Valkengoed

    February 10, 2022 at 7:58 PM

    Dear family. When you were younger I was blessed to spend a fair bit of time with your father. He was loving, kind and patient. We had many a conversation and he gave me some lovely advice. Unfortunately, for me, I am unable to attend your celebration tomorrow. Please be assured I will be with you all in sprit. I have prayed for your Dad during his illness, and for a peaceful journey home to our creator.

    Lorie Van Valkneoged

  5. Norman

    February 10, 2022 at 5:36 PM

    Johnny “high miler” to me back in the day,when we were neighbours. Good man. Was fortunate to know him.

  6. Sam Regier

    February 9, 2022 at 8:07 PM

    So sorry for your loss.I have not seen John much over the years since Mt.Carmel and Exeter high school days.I am so sad for your sudden loss.I’m sure you question why his time on earth was taken sooner than it should be.I too wonder why John and not I.It’s a reminder for me how our time can be snatched away from us at any time.John was not hard to forget.He gave some teachers and principle a run for their money.I didn’t realize he lived next road over to we’re I lived for some time.Sad that I didn’t visit.Thinking of my old school bud a lot today.I’m sad.

  7. Mark Christie

    February 9, 2022 at 7:14 PM

    Emily, John, Catherine, Audrey, Dave, Steve, Brian and families. Sorry to hear about Gator’s passing. There are so many great memories of Johnny Love from Netherby Rd, the Key, High & Dry, Columbia Crescent, minor hockey, the list is long. RIP
    Cracker, Tammy, Mac, Sam, and Levi
    ps great picture, love the shorts

  8. Boz learn

    February 9, 2022 at 5:54 PM

    John will be missed he was a good guy we’re thinking of all his family now

  9. Nina Knee

    February 9, 2022 at 4:25 PM

    To the O’Neil family,

    So sorry to hear of John (Gator)’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Whenever you seen Gator he always had a smile on his face. John will be truly missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace.

    Nina Knee and family

  10. Randy Somerville

    February 9, 2022 at 3:14 PM

    So sad to hear of the passing of Gator . Another one of the old Huron Park crew gone be for his time . Our deepest condolences to the O’Neill family God Bless . Randy &Judy Somerville .

  11. Hillman family

    February 9, 2022 at 1:37 PM

    Our deepest sympathy! Way too young. We are so sorry for your loss. Hillman family

  12. Norm Atkins 136 St Lawrence Abe

    February 9, 2022 at 1:20 PM

    John was the coolest guy on St Lawrence Ave! Always a party and I just loved and wanted his hair. I’m so very sorry for you all in the family. I’m so very happy it was quick and the John I remember was The Parks version of John Cougar Mellancamp and I’ll remember him like that. The Atkins family sends its best to all Peace be with yous all in quiet times

  13. Cheryl Becker

    February 9, 2022 at 11:44 AM

    O’Neil family
    So sorry to hear of Gator’s passing. Gone too soon. Our sincere sympathies

    Greg and Cheryl Becker

  14. David Smith

    February 9, 2022 at 10:44 AM

    Our sincere condolences to the family. Gator and i cut quite a swath back in days, from the days of the old red ford truck to the mustang and many other hot rods in between. A few memorable fishing trips, one to Georgian bay we will never forget. We were lucky to spend 4 days together at the French this past September. You were a great defense partner for quite a few big league seasons. It was so much fun at the time we didn’t even realize it. Be strong everyone and remember all the good. God Bless to all. Dave & Tammy Smith

  15. Jim Dietrich

    February 9, 2022 at 10:41 AM

    Sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss.
    Jim & Linda Dietrich

  16. Kathy

    February 9, 2022 at 9:50 AM

    So sorry to hear about John. He will be remember by his smile .

  17. Bob Stire

    February 9, 2022 at 8:01 AM

    Will always remember that smile :)

    Bob Stire

  18. Kim Coleman

    February 9, 2022 at 7:20 AM

    My sincere condolences. John is one of the good guys.
    Was great get a hug from him after 25 yrs at the gables for the reunion.
    Love and peace Johnny

  19. Kristen Campbell

    February 8, 2022 at 7:49 PM

    Sorry for your loss. John was my hockey coach for a number of years as a child and I always remember him putting a smile on your face or making a joke. He will be missed.
    Kristen (Hefley) Campbell

  20. Tim Griffith

    February 8, 2022 at 7:46 PM

    Just remembering our time working for the township together. My condolence to your family

  21. Bob & Sharon Pavkeje and family

    February 8, 2022 at 6:59 PM

    Sending our sympathy to your family. Gator was a special guy! Our thoughts are with all of you.

  22. Don and Carol Stuckless

    February 8, 2022 at 6:31 PM

    We would like to reach out to all of Gators family and offer our sympathies. He was at the starting line in the old blue mustang,in the dressing with the team,at the shore lunch where you would typically find him fishing off the bank,and you could always count on him being behind his guitar on Saturday nights at camp!John could always be counted on being with the boys! We have lost a good guy and he will always be remembered as we troll up and down the Key or the French River and know he was a big part of memories made!

  23. Danielle Steenbergen (Lather) & Family

    February 8, 2022 at 6:17 PM

    Sending lots of love to the family and his many loved ones… He sure will be missed. ❤️ We will keep you all in our thoughts during the tough days that lie ahead. Xo

  24. Amber Cooper

    February 8, 2022 at 5:56 PM

    John and family,

    My sincerest condolences on the passing of your father. My thoughts are with your and your family during this difficult time.

    Amber Cooper

  25. mike wood

    February 8, 2022 at 5:18 PM

    Spring fishing will never be the same again
    I will Miss our chats back in the Bend when we were to working
    RIP Bud

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