Former teacher and coach, and long time Elma resident, Brian O’Neil, passed away March 20, 2022. He was 85.

He was born in 1937 in Astoria, Oregon to James and Sarah (Painter) O’Neil. Brian attended Ilwaco grade school and graduated from Ilwaco High School in 1955. He received his teaching degree from Bellingham, Masters from the University of Oregon and principal credentials from Pacific Lutheran University. He taught school for the Elma School District for 30 years starting with 5th graders followed by physical education, history and geography at the high school. He coached tennis and was assistant coach for football and basketball.

He enjoyed many mountain climbing expeditions scaling Mt. Rainier in three different routes, climbing Mt. Adams which included snow and ice climbing and propelling. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed traveling to Germany, France and an Alaskan Cruise.

He is survived by his wife Emily (Bartelme) and five children: Bobby O’Neil (Nancy) of California, Lynn Nygaard (Rod) of Tenino, Washington; Dan O’Neil of Elma, Karen Huff of Elma and Robert Huff (Lynn) of Wisconsin; and grandchildren: Caleb, Faith, Josh, Natalie, Alex, Ben, Breanna and Cody. His father passed away in 1981, mother in 2000, brother Wayne O’Neil in 1998 and sister Carol in 2019.

Brian saw the humor in everything, was good-natured and patient.

A graveside service will be held at the Bayview Cemetery, 57315 Old Portland Road, Warren, Oregon on April 23, 2022 at 1 p.m. followed by a luncheon reception at 1327 Coal Creek Road, Longview.