It is with the heaviest of hearts and deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Jeff on Saturday, March 23rd after experiencing a severe asthma and panic attack that caused cardiac arrest during the evening of Thursday, March 21st. Jeff’s loss was completely unexpected, and his friends and family are devastated.
Jeff was born on September 29, 1987 at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and grew up in Fergus, Ontario. He was the youngest of three children, and he always had a very close and special bond with his late brother Mike (2018) and his sister Jen. Jeff's family takes some solace in knowing that he had his older brother Mike waiting to greet him with open arms on the other side, along with his sister-in-law Jackie, nephew Kiefer, Mémère Thérèse, Pépère Wilfred, and grandparents Joan and D'Arcy.
Jeff will be forever loved and deeply missed by his mom Brenda, dad Jim (Terri) and sister Jen. He will be forever loved and adored by the love of his life Amanda, and their kids Ryan and Brianna. Jeff will always be remembered and cherished by his Uncle Leo (Crissy), Aunt Janice (Ross), cousin Tim (Katelynn), sisters Michelle (Wayne) and Kristen (Kevin), his nephew Owen, niece Rowan, and his grandparents Al and Pat.
As a child, Jeff was energetic, funny, athletic, creative and adventurous, though admittedly mischievous at times. He grew into the most amazing man with all the best qualities - he was kind, caring, loving, thoughtful, generous, loyal, and devoted. He was intelligent and had an amazing sense of humour. He loved animals, especially his late cat Bailey and beloved dog Duke. He enjoyed being in nature, camping, hiking and sitting by a bonfire. He liked video games, music, going to concerts, and just being with friends and family.
Jeff was a dedicated, hard worker and was an integral employee at ONYX Hose & Tube Inc. for the past 9 years. The plant owners displayed a heartwarming tribute to Jeff by shutting down the entire plant, and compensating all employees - expressing how much they loved Jeff and how much they value all of their ONYX family.
The last year of Jeff's life was the happiest he had ever been. He met the love of his life and soulmate Amanda, and he immediately loved and embraced her children as his own. They gave Jeff the greatest gift he could have ever received - to know true love and to have a family, as he always wanted to be a husband and father.
Jeff was such a caring and compassionate person and he would want to help others if he was able. His family decided to honour his wishes to be a donor so he could save lives and help make sure another family doesn't go through this type of tragedy. Amazingly, 5 of his life-saving organs were able to be donated, and we were told by doctors that normally only 1 or 2 can be used. Jeff is a miracle to so many families and his sacrifice has given some sort of meaning to this terrible tragedy.
Jeff's departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound that is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him so deeply. The family greatly appreciates your support during this tragic time. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make contributions if you're able to the gofundme campaign to support Jeff's family (his partner Amanda and their children).
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-jeff-oneils-family
Eventually, there will be a celebration of life to honour Jeff. The family will release more details once plans and arrangements have been confirmed.