Len O’Neill: September 1927 to October 1976
Leonard Terrence O’Neill was born in La Fleche, Saskatchewan September 17, 1927. He grew up in Vernon, graduating from Vernon Senior Secondary. Post-secondary education was at Vancouver College and UBC, where he earned a BA in history in 1951, then a B Ed. and a diploma in counselling.
Len taught for several years in the Salmon Arm School District before becoming the first Director of the Salmon Arm Campus of Okanagan College in 1968. He also served the College as Dean of Student Services in 1972-73, and throughout his tenure as Director in Salmon Arm, also taught Psychology. Len was a very popular administrator and instructor. He was active in sports (a respected Hockey referee), and in politics. He once ran as the NDP candidate for Shuswap, and at the time of his death was a member of the School Board.
Len died at the age of 49 while hiking on Mount Ida. The Scholarship Fund now known as the Salmon Arm College Scholarship Fund was established in his memory and will benefit Salmon Arm College students in perpetuity.
