Daniel Anthony O'Neill
Passed 02/02/2022
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Obituary For Daniel Anthony O'Neill
Daniel Anthony O’Neill – 57 (Enfield NS) ; lovingly known as Dano, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2022 at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax after a short but courageous battle with cancer.
It’s hard to know where to begin with words to describe our brother’s life. Dano has been called a hero, a legend, a mentor, a friend and a brother. He was all of those things and more.
He worked as an Advanced Care Paramedic for 35 years. His career was long and meaningful. Dan was dedicated to clinical excellence and mentoring others. His paramedic family are commemorating him with love, respect and kindness. In his life and career he touched so many. During his career he worked with the Victoria General Hospital team and within EMC’s Northern and Central Regions. He received his EHS Long Service Award, recognized by the Government for his service to Nova Scotians. On his final night, one of his paramedic friends removed nasal oxygen prongs from his nose and placed them in his mouth. Dano was mouth breathing so this was a better way to increase his oxygen levels. His friend looked at me and fighting back tears said, “Dano taught me that”.
Dano also worked for year in Saudi Arabia, taught paramedics in Cuba and dedicated his life to his profession. Dano would proudly proclaim, “I love my job!” And, he did along with his many colleagues, students and friends.
Dano was also a volunteer fire fighter with the Enfield Fire Department and went out to other fire departments to train people in emergency first aid and CPR.
As a younger man he was heavily involved in hockey and refereeing. He was an avid fan throughout his life. He started out as a Habs fan but switched to the Pens when he attached himself to Sydney Crosby and Marc Andre Fleury. He loved to entertain friends and hosted whenever he could.
Dano was one of the first responders on scene of the Swissair crash. It was in the year’s following that when he began to experience PTSD. Eventually the stress of his job would lead to his retirement and long-term disability. Dano had a huge heart and suffered demons from some of the scenes he had witnessed over the years. One blessing that came from his PTSD was his guide dog Chance. They bonded and were so good for each other.
Dano is survived by: his sisters, Beverlee Arnold (and her husband Richard), and Shirley O’Neill, nephews Christopher (and his partner Tamara Saulnier) and Ryan Arnold, his service dog Chance and his paramedic family and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents Anthony (Tony) and Reta (nee Horne) as well as his older brother Bruce. Dano will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Cremation has already taken place, A memorial service will be held at Saint Andrews United Church on Coburg Road, Halifax once COVID restrictions are lifted.
Special thanks to all who supported him through his illness, his palliative care team and VON nurses, oncology team at the VG Hospital.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Nova Scotia Lung Association (smoking cessation program).
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Condolences
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02/10/2022
We would like to offer are sincere condolence to Dan's family and his paramedic family. Although we only meet Dan several times when he was helping our son in law Ritchie Gilby it was very obvious he had a huge heart. Ritchie spoke very highly of Dan. Sincerely, Merrill and Sadie MacDonald
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02/10/2022
Bev & Shirley, Sorry for your loss, Lots of memories of the old days growing up in Enfield, we are thinking of you at this sad time Derek & Michelle Bailey
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02/08/2022
Bev, Shirley, family and Chance, Dan touched so many lives in immeasurable ways. He filmed our wedding in the UK and being an expert squeezing into the back of an ambulance he managed to be inconspicuous with that giant 1991 camcorder. He collected a dialysis patient at the VG when I worked there and loved the confusion it caused being called Uncle Dano. We will remember his sense of humour, his laugh, his love of nan Helen's baking. Most of all we will remember his quiet kindness. Blaine, Gillian and Daniel MacKinnon
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02/08/2022
The EMS prayer As I perform my duty Lord Whatever be the call Help to guide and keep me safe From dangers big and small I want to serve and do my best No matter what the scene. "This best describes Dano . One of the best Medics I had pleasure to work beside. Rest easy friend your legacy will be passed on to the future medics.
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02/08/2022
Bev, Shirley and family, as well as all Dan O's EHS family, Our family lost a cousin we can be very proud of. Dan was a man of service to others, living out his deep values of care and compassion toward others in need. Though, time and locations limited when we would get together there were a few personal family needs, as well as professional visits to Serenity Lodge, that always brought big hugs and catch up chat if time allowed. We were so grateful for all the loving community support that happened so quickly , when Dan reached out for help! We like many were proud of Dan and we are sure he was proud to be part of a great community. Thoughts and prayers continue to be sent to you Shirley and Bev and family love and hugs from Christine and Wayne
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02/08/2022
Sincerest condolences to Bev, Shirley and family. Lori Horne
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02/08/2022
Would like to send Condolences to Danny's Families n His Paramedic Family.Danny was one of the Best Helping,Caring in the job He done! Not only on duty but off duty.They need more People in the World like Him.I am sure He will b remembered for a good many years to come.May All Ur Memories help U cope with the Loss of Loved One.
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02/07/2022
Danny was my first responder when I had my heart attack in 2009. He will always hold a special place in me. Condolences to Bev and Shirley. Rest in Peace, Danny.
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02/07/2022
Bev, Richard and family; we are sorry to read of Danny's passing, Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time. Wally and Darlene Ashley
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02/07/2022
Bev and family so sorry to hear of Danny's passing. I know he will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all that knew him.
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02/07/2022
Deepest condolences to Dano's family during this difficult time. Dano was such a friend and colleague to so many at Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency. Michael Moore (Captain Retired)
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02/07/2022
Bev and Family So sorry for your loss . May you find comfort in your memories of him .
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02/07/2022
Great guy, all round. Brave til the last minute. Still making jokes a week before his passing. One of the pioneers of Paramedicine in NS. I consider myself very lucky to have known Dan. RIP brother! Sam Campbell,
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02/07/2022
Condolences to Dan's family. Rest easy Dan.
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02/07/2022
Sincerest condolences to Dano's family. I worked with Dan for decades starting at the old V.G. where he was one of the first (the old guard) paramedics in the academic centre, the Infirmary and then the Q. He was a capable and caring guy, hard worker and always had a smile in his pocket. We miss you.
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02/07/2022
Bev, Richard and sons: We want to offer our sincerest condolences for your loss. Even though we never met Dan, it is heartwarming to read the kind of man he was and he certainly will be missed by so many. ~~John & Carrie
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02/07/2022
Dano, what a friend, coworker and big brother. Big heart and full of life. My first full time partner working at scotia speed world (under metro and district) and boy was it so much fun. Even when we had the chance to drive the little "legion" race car on the track and we raced. Boy did we have many great memories. You inspired me to continue in this profession, as you did for many others. We shared many shifts together in good and in bad. Alway a "story" to share. Thank you for your sharing your experience and love for the job. Condolences to all his family and friends. Love you buddy. Rest in peace brother.
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02/07/2022
Sincerest condolences to Dano's family. I worked with Dan over the years starting at the V.G , the Infirmary and Cobequid. He was a great guy, smart and always smiling or laughing. He brightened even the saddest situations. He will be missed. May his memory be a blessing. Sincerely, Lee (Andrews) Surrette.
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02/07/2022
Our heartfelt sympathy to all the family, friends and colleagues, such a great loss.❤️ Sending you warm hugs from Sandra(Gilby)& Larry Colbert
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02/07/2022
Shirley, Beverlee and family, My sincere condolences on the loss of Danny. May he enjoy eternal peace. Marie McKeen
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02/07/2022
Rest In Peace Dano Roger Mombourquette
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02/07/2022
My deepest condolences to family and friends...he was one of the great ones. 🙏🙏🙏
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02/07/2022
DanO - oh the stories you can tell. May all our hearts be lifted remembering those stories and precious times. Prayers and thoughts are with Shirley, Bev , Chance and family as with all of Dan's extended family and friends. You are missed my dear friend . Always will be in our hearts ♥️
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02/07/2022
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02/06/2022
Bev, Shirley & familes, So sorry to hear of Danny's passing. He will be greatly missed by many people. He was one of the paramedics that responded to many calls that were made for help with our Mom. Plus he was there the day she passed away. I didn't realize it was him because I hadn't seen him since school. It sounds like he was an all-around nice person. Helping, sharing, & loved his job. He is now with your Mom, Dad, & Bruce. He has become an "Angel" along with your Mom & Dad & all three of them will be watching over you. Your memories, family, & friends will help you through this sad time. Take care of each other & be safe. Dianna O'Neill
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02/06/2022
Dano was a great medic and a great friend. His presence will be missed in the NS paramedic community and everywhere else Dano was known
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02/06/2022
Hearts are broken Dan , was such a pleasure having a shift with you back in the day. Learned alot from you , Your memory will live on with your friends and the countless paramedics you help develop Rest easy my friend
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02/06/2022
Bev, Richard and boys, so sorry for your loss. Although I personally didn't know him,I always enjoyed his road reports. He will be missed, Michelle and Raymond Mader
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02/06/2022
Proud to call you a friend Dano. It was a pleasure working with you. We shared a ton of laughs and stories. RIP My Friend
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