Members of the O’Neil family and Hugh O’Neil Friendship Garden organizing committee gather at an official groundbreaking, at the Trent Port Marina, on September 26, 2016. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
The memorial garden honouring the late Hugh O’Neil will be unveiled next month.
On May 13, the public is invited to a special ceremony at the Trent Port Marina to take in the new $80,000 Hugh O’Neil Friendship Garden.
Councillor Duncan Armstrong who sits on the Friendship Garden Committee, noted how the memorial showcases five marble pillars recognizing Mr. Quinte’s many roles as a family man, educator, entrepreneur, statesman, and community volunteer. The garden is located behind Quinte West City Hall near the Roy Bonisteel memorial. The monument has a picture of O’Neil on it with the inscription ‘Hugh O’Neil Garden, come my friends and rest awhile.’ There are flowers, greenery and a bench area. The paving stones in the middle of the monument feature a compass which symbolizes direction and leadership which Armstrong offered ‘O’Neil represented.’
O’Neil served as the Liberal member for the former Quinte riding for 20 years, from 1975 to 1995.
About a year ago the committee began making plans for the garden. Armstrong explained he, former Mayor John Williams, Donna O’Neil and family are excited to unveil the monument.
At the event Donna O’Neil will speak to her late husband’s life and express her gratitude to the community for getting involved to create a tribute.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
