Robert “Rob” O’Neil

Robert “Rob” O’Neil, 49, of Whitefish, died unexpectedly Nov. 8 of cardiac arrest. His doctor, Dr. Todd Bergland, and his wife, Nurse Glenna, were with Rob and Christy when he collapsed and they did everything possible to save him as did the staff at North Valley Hospital.

Rob leaves behind his loving wife, Christy Gladieux O’Neil, and his son, Mason, 11. Rob was the son of Marcia O’Neil, of Topsham, Maine and the late Bob O’Neil. He is also survived by his sister, Holly O’Neil Turley, and her husband, Keith of Five Islands, Maine, his in-laws, Erma and Gary Gladieux, of Columbia Falls and his brother-in-law, Darren Gladieux and his wife, Tara of Dallas, Georgia. He also leaves behind three adoring nephews, who grew up skiing with him, and three beautiful nieces of Dallas, Georgia.

Rob was a graduate of Wellesley High School, Wellesley, Massachusetts, class of 1989 and Colby College, Waterville, Maine, class of 1993. He came to Whitefish in the fall of 1993 with college friends, several of whom still reside in Whitefish.

Rob was a very hard worker. He worked various jobs at Big Mountain, worked at The Great Northern Bar and Grill and also groomed trails for the Glacier Nordic Club. For the past 20 years Rob owned and operated O’Neil Painting.

Rob loved his wife Christy with all his heart and cherished every day they had together. Rob was very proud of his dear son, Mason. He was Mason’s best friend. His passion for skiing in the mountains with his friends and especially with Christy and Mason brought him great joy. He also enjoyed hiking, biking, running, playing basketball, music, his dogs, current events, reading, and Boston sports. We will all miss him terribly. His death leaves a huge void in our lives and his passing reminds us that every day truly is a gift. Rob led a life of kindness and gratitude.