Jul 262016
 

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Sad to announce that John O Neill passed away this morning. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer, the day of our last reunion in November 2015. I did not know John very well in Gormanston, we became friends after the first reunion in 2007. He knew how computers worked, which is what he did for the Bank of Ireland and helped Pat Keenan and I organise the reunions.

We used meet in Dublin when I was home both of us being partial to a Cuban Cigar. We were so different, yet I enjoyed his company so much, and then sharing similar journeys with terminal cancer. A practicing catholic he did not believe I would end up in hell as most of my friends predict. In fact his biggest concern on being told his cancer was terminal was that he would have to listen to me all the time in Heaven, he was relieved when the doctors, gave up looking for my cancer a few moths ago. John’s cancer was progressing, he texted me; ” Looking on the bright side, at least I will be able to Rest in Peace, they wont be taking you for a long time, now Bowie got there first”.

Will miss you John. I have sent my condolences to his wife Harriette and Children Ian and Anna

Richie Lanigan

 

  7 Responses to “John O Neill RIP”

  1. John and I became friendly in the last couple of years , He will be sadly missed .

  2. John was a gentleman, and it was a privilege to have met him.
    May you rest in peace John.
    Conal Crossan

  3. Hi All,

    Sad day for the Class of ’74, John was a great person, sincere condolences to Harriette, Ian and Anna and Derry, may he Rest in Peace,

    Tim Fenn

  4. I’m very sorry to hear of John’s passing and would have attended his funeral but I am away on vacation. I knew John very well in Gormo because most years we were nearby in the dormitory and in the study hall. I couldn’t imagine he had any enemies even at a trite level. I had a game of golf with him some time ago with Donal and Larry. It struck me at the time that he was an incredibly decent skin. In the time I knew him I can’t remember a single time when he was unkind to anyone verbally or physically. A well-reared, lovely and gentle man…and good company to boot. Sincere condolences to all friends and family. I know he will be very sadly missed.

    Art McGann

  5. A terrible shock. I met John at all the reunions, he was wonderful company and a great source of reminiscences re Gormanston. I had a memorable few days with him in Koblenz, he was just planning his retirement from the bank at the time, sadly he had little time to enjoy it. A thorough gentleman, kind, warm-hearted and devoid of any ill-feelings. I had no idea he was ill, he will be a great loss and we will remember him fondly. Ray Clarke

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