Daniel Patrick “Paddy” O’Neill
December 21, 1960 - January 5, 2026
Daniel Patrick O’Neill, known and loved by all as Paddy, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the age of 65. Born on December 21, 1960, in Edmonton, Alberta, Paddy lived a life defined by hard work, deep love for his family, and a profound connection to the outdoors. He made his home on an acreage near Devon, Alberta, where he felt most at peace – surrounded by open space, animals, and the natural world he cherished so deeply.
Paddy was predeceased by his father, Daniel; his mother, Shirley; and his sisters Brenda (Benji, Jeffrey, Meaghan, and Molly) and Shelagh. In recent years, he had the chance to develop a close bond with Jeffrey and his family (his wife Amy and their children Aiden, Hannah, and Shaelyn).
He was the beloved brother of Shauna (whom he lived with), and his brother Brian (and his wife Diane, and their children Matthew and Mackenzie). He will be fondly remembered by his children Kelly (and her husband Andrew) and Daniel (Aki) (and his wife Melissa), and by his treasured grandchildren Harlan, Whitley, Maverick, and Saylor.
Paddy’s work ethic was legendary. He began his career working for the family business alongside his father, later moving on to work with Home Depot, before taking the leap to start his own company, Bonnie’s Yardscapes, alongside his business partner and dear friend Sheri Winters. He took great pride in building something of his own through grit, strength, and determination.
An athlete through and through, Paddy embraced life physically and fully – playing baseball, hockey, football, and even taking on bobsledding, boxing, and taekwondo over the years. He was incredibly strong, both in body and spirit. He approached everything he loved with the same energy and commitment, including cooking. A passionate and creative cook, he published his own cookbook and was proud to share his love of food with others, even appearing on the Food Network series Wall of Chefs.While his exterior could seem tough, those who knew him best knew the “real him” – someone who could be deeply sentimental, endlessly loving, and delightfully silly. Around the people he loved most, Paddy’s warmth, humour, and light-hearted nature shone brightly.
He found his greatest joy outdoors – hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, being on the water, and gathering around a fire to share food, stories, and laughter. He loved animals, loved adventure, and loved his Irish heritage with pride. Above all, he loved his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Athlone Community League (13010 129 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5L 1J3) between noon and 5:00 pm on Friday, January 16th, 2026. All who loved Paddy are warmly invited to attend and celebrate a life well lived. Please wear a touch of green in his memory and as a nod to his roots.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paddy’s memory to the Alberta Wilderness Association, an organization that reflects his deep respect and love for the land. https://www.albertawilderness.ca/product/donate/
In keeping with Paddy’s deep connection to the land, the outdoors, and his Irish heritage, the following words feel especially fitting:
“Go gently now into the keeping of the earth,
Where the wind knows your name
And the rivers remember your footsteps.
May the fields you walked rise to meet you,
And the wild places welcome you home.”
Care entrusted to Pine Box Funerals Inc. (780) 910-6432 pineboxfunerals.ca