Best of the Northland

Steve O’Neil

The late Steve O’Neil was one of those rare souls who, just by his presence, made communities and all those within them better. He knew how to gently bring out the best in everyone. Social justice, faith and serving those less fortunate were the driving values behind this quiet, pacifist warrior. O’Neil was one of the driving force behind “Loaves and Fishes,” the Catholic Charities program that has created housing for the homeless. Up until the very end of his life, Steve was still working to end homelessness.

The last we saw Steve, he was at a packed celebration honoring his life’s work at Clyde Iron in April 2013.  In true fashion, Steve deflected the focus from himself to the needs of others: CHUM was able to raise over $33,000 that evening. Scores of people volunteered. To borrow a line by Sharon Smickle, “One of Steve O’Neil’s colleagues described his leadership this way: ‘Steve transforms how people see the world, and he does it in a way that he brings people along on the journey.’ “

In July 2013, a mere three months after the CHUM Fundraiser, Steve passed away. His quiet, yet formidable, presence will be missed.