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Brother O’Neal was involved as a union and community activist his entire adult life.  He had been actively involved with the United Steelworkers since 1942 and had over 66 years of participation in the labour movement.  Ken had been heavily involved in community and government activities. He was the first union member to be asked to head the United Way campaign in Hamilton, Ontario. His leadership was invaluable in other Community Services such as the Hamilton YMCA, the St Joseph’s Hospital and numerous other civic organizations.

Ken O’Neal was truly a union pioneer. He first worked for Stelco (the Steel Company of Canada) where he was active in the 1946 strike which resulted in the recognition of the union and the union’s first contract with that company. He also held various positions in the Local Union at International Harvester in Hamilton, Ontario until he became a USW Staff Representative in 1963.  

Ken retired from the Steelworkers Union in 1983.  He joined SOAR as a Charter Member in 1985 and served as Vice President since its beginning until he stepped down from that position in 2004 due to health considerations.

USW President Leo Gerard appointed Ken as SOAR Board Member Emeritus with the following words: “Ken has an exemplary record of service to the USW as a Local Union leader, servicing Staff Representative and his years of dedicated service to community volunteerism as well as our union’s retirees through his leadership and involvement with the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees.”