The West Hollywood Recovery Center and Log Cabin (WHRC) Board of Directors are mourning the loss of Board Vice President John O’Neil, who passed peacefully Monday evening, May 22, 2023, following an aggressive cancer diagnosis. He was surrounded by family and close friends at Cedars Sinai. He was 61 years old.
John O’Neil lived and worked in the City of West Hollywood for many years. He was a pillar in the recovering community. He recently celebrated 35 years of continuous clean and sober time on March 1, 2023. He was an inspiration and touched many lives in the West Hollywood community.
The official statement from the WHRC Board reads as follows:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Vice President of the West Hollywood Recovery Center board member, John O’Neil. If you knew John, you knew love. You knew what it felt like to be seen. You knew you were safe and accepted exactly as you were. You knew laughter, you knew joy and you knew that you were in the presence of someone special.
John dedicated himself to service to our community and to uplifting those that were suffering. We are so grateful for the time we had with him and will miss him dearly. Thank you John for your Light, your service and for the love you’ve given all of us.”
A memorial service date is currently pending.
About the West Hollywood Recovery Center/Log Cabin:
The mission of the West Hollywood Recovery Center & Log Cabin is to provide a meeting place for 12-Step groups and to provide assistance with addiction recovery, and prevention, education to those in need; to act as trusted servants; to provide positive social exposure and a meeting place for 12-step programs and their interests; to host 12-step meetings and related social activities within this environment; to foster 12-step programs and the 12 traditions associated with these programs as a way of life; to create a safe, nurturing environment for persons engaged in any 12-step program; to share experience, strength and hope; and abide by the “12 Concepts For World Service” as set forth in the service manual for Alcoholics Anonymous.
John was smart and funny but it was just natural. He was kind and generous and it was just natural. He saved lives so many times and never mentioned it. We were lucky to have him while we did. There will never be another like him. We who knew him will always think of him and often. ❤️
Will you be posting a day for John O’Neil memorial?
Hi there. We will definitely post memorial services details as they become available.
Thank you Paul for writing such a beautiful tribute. I have great memories of hanging out with John in the 90’s – 2000’s at the Noon Mtg at MCC Church, John, Matt Masterman, Gabor, Greg, Rick, John C, Phillip M, John McK., Chip, Brenda, Vincent C, John D., myself & so many others & then the meeting after the meeting at The Heights, Eat Well, Silver Spoon & French Market. We had such a tight fellowship then & talked & laughed so much. Many of us worked at night or were under employed & thank God because those 3 hr… Read more »
I am so sorry to learn of John’s illness and passing. His sunny colorful kind spirit will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends. May his life be in blessed memory.
John was such a beautiful soul, radiating kindness, love and light. He will be deeply missed.
So very sad at such a young age. He made a mark during his time here. His sobriety helped so many. Condolences to his family and close friends.