Passing of Juan O'Neill, friend of Leonard Cohen & Poetr

[PhilMader]

This is to announce the passing of Juan O'Neill, born John O'Neill in Santiago de Cuba.

Mr. O'Neill worked as a reporter for the Havana Post (interviewing the likes of Ava Gardner, Irving Berlin and Nat King Cole, to name a few, who vacationed in Cuba in the 1950s). and later reported out of Mexico for news syndications. In Canada he was a translator for the federal government, later setting up his private translation firm, Juan O'Neill Translations. As a literary translator, for presentation at poetry readings, he translated works by Machado, Neruda, and Lorca, as well as translating the book, Homage to Victor Jara by Patrick White.

In the early 1950s, Mr. O'Neill met Leonard Cohen at McGill University when they were both students in their 20s, and where they became friends. In later years, they met several times.

In Ottawa , in the 1980s up to the present Mr. O'Neill became a poetry guru and organizer, founder of "Sasquatch", a populist poetry society that puts on poetry performances, inviting published poets as well to recite their work.

Mr. O'Neill too was a composer of music, putting electronic music background to some of his best poetic songs.

He leaves behind a daughter, Ariel.

A memorial organized by poets is being held at the Royal Oak Pub (downstairs), in Ottawa 161 Laurier Avenue East, corner Cumberland, Sunday, March 19 at 2 p.m. .

Also a memorial service is being held at St. Joseph's Church, Cumberland and Wilbrod St. , Ottawa, Monday, March 20 at noon.

Phil Mader
p_madertte@yahoo.com

please refer to the Sasquatch Performance Series web link below for further information.

http://www.e-sasquatch.ca/HomeHEngFrame1Source1.htm

[PhilMader]

In addition, Mr. O'Neill was a poet in his own right, appearing in many poetry magazines and journals and on radio and television broadcasts.

[lizzytysh]

It appears that Mr. O'Neill did much toward forwarding the 'cause' and appreciation of poetry. I'm sorry to hear that still another of Leonard's contemporaries and friends has died. The message keeps coming home that we are here for such a brief time. My condolences go Mr. O'Neill's family and loved ones.

~ Lizzy