It is with profound sorrow that the family announces the passing of “Steel Neil” O’Donnell, Saturday November 19, 2016. A dedicated family man, Neil cherished every moment of his life with his beloved wife Linda and his shining star Celia. They were the blessings he counted every day.
Neil was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by his brother and sisters, JoAnn, David (Beverly), Elaine McDonald (Dean) and sisters-in-law Laurie (Gilles Labelle) and Lisa (Tom Eles) as well as his nieces and nephews: Kristy, Kyle, Rebecca, David, Keegan, Carli, Devon, Shane and his great nieces and nephew, Keira, Liam and Milania. He was the loving son of the late Lorne and Rita O’Donnell and son-in-law to Wynona and Keith (predeceased) Ferneyhough & lifelong friend to Glynn O’Reilley.

To all who knew and loved him, Neil was a “magnetic force”. His personality was the embodiment of love, loyalty and friendship – the virtues to which we were all anchored. He followed in his father and brother’s footsteps and embarked on a lifelong career as a shaft sinking hoistman. He was proud of his career in mining development in Canada and abroad and the opportunity it gave him to forge friendships along the way. He was well respected among his peers.
Neil will be fondly remembered for the unique style and the sound he created as a drummer. His energy and stamina on the “skins” was both powerful and entertaining – all in the name of great music and memories with the boys at the “jam”.
He was the funniest, most animated storyteller who could bring a crowd to tears of laughter. His heart, like his home, had an open door policy. Not a day went by that he didn’t check on family, friends, neighbours or their pets or open his front door to anyone of them.
You have given us a lifetime of love and for this we thank you – rest with the angels – you are one of them now. Love….all of us.

A celebration of Neil’s life will be held on Saturday November 26, 2016 at the Tap House, (1500 Regent Street South, Sudbury) between 1-4 – with words of remembrance at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Celia O’Donnell Education Trust Fund.
Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home.