Queensland teacher remembered for his 'humility' and ‘infectious smile’

Former Queensland teacher Dan O'Neill has been remembered as 'selfless and genuine' by family and friends after his passing on Saturday.

IN MEMORY: Family and friends have paid tribute to Dan O’Neill, a well-loved member of the community.

TOOWOOMBA'S Dan O'Neill has been remembered fondly by family and friends after his passing on Saturday.

A well-loved former teacher at St Joseph's College, Dan was also an active member of many sporting clubs in town.

To his son, Ben O'Neill, Dan was a "wonderful father" who could see the positive in any circumstance.

"It was more about the way he was - he always had a big smile on his face," Mr O'Neill said.

"He asked us all to find positivity, including in the motor neurone disease diagnosis.

"I always thought there must be some breaking point, where a person can no longer be positive, but he never said anything negative about his situation, he never complained once."

Dan O'Neill was a part of many Toowoomba sporting clubs, including parkrun.

Mr O'Neill said his father had a passion for nature and keeping active, often running the streets of Toowoomba barefoot.

His other great loves were his family and his community, which was evidenced in the outpouring of support on social media.

"He touched a lot of people's lives," Mr O'Neill said.

"He always had time for everybody, he was selfless and genuine.

"He left us a few messages, one read: 'Thank you for all of the joy, you're looking at a lucky man'."

Friends have also paid tribute.

For years, Kevin Dixon both coached and played alongside Dan at the Newtown Lions Rugby League club.

"He was a wonderful competitor who was committed to everything he did," Mr Dixon said.

"His smile was his greeting, and it was infectious.

"His humility shone through, and he will be sadly missed by all."

In his time as a design and technology teacher at St Joseph's, Dan "was the kind of teacher students loved to have".

"Dan, those of us who had the privilege of sharing part of your life journey will never forget you," St Joseph's College principal Kort Goodman said.

Dan O'Neill leaves behind wife Karen and children Ben, Lach, Waide, Tarla and Zoe.