In Loving Memory of Matt O’Neill: A Voice That Will Echo Forever

Matt O’Neill wasn’t just a radio personality—he was a Calgary institution. Through the familiar and comforting frequency of JACK FM, his voice became a steady companion for countless listeners navigating the rhythms of daily life. Morning after morning, year after year, Matt’s presence on the airwaves was more than just background noise—it was a grounding force, a source of joy, and a spark of connection in a world that can sometimes feel isolating.

His passing leaves behind more than just a silent mic. It leaves a profound emptiness in the world of broadcasting, in the lives of his colleagues and friends, and in the hearts of thousands who invited him into their cars, kitchens, and offices every day. For those who knew him personally, and for those who felt like they did through the magic of radio, the loss is staggering.

Matt didn’t just read scripts. He lived them. He improvised, he played, he felt. Every word he spoke came with intention, with presence, with soul. That’s what made him exceptional. He didn’t just speak at his audience—he spoke to them. And, more importantly, he listened in return. That two-way street of trust and humanity was where Matt thrived.

Whether he was delivering a perfectly timed joke that left listeners grinning behind their steering wheels, riffing on a quirky news story, or pausing just long enough to say something honest and unexpectedly profound, Matt made sure that every single listener felt like they were part of something bigger. He wasn’t there to simply entertain—he was there to connect. That’s not just talent. That’s heart.

What Matt gave to Calgary can’t be measured in ratings or airtime. It lives in the shared laughs during a morning commute. It lives in the quiet moments when his voice reminded someone they weren’t alone. It lives in the way he brought people together—across airwaves, across differences, and across daily routines that felt just a little lighter because of him.

Behind the mic, Matt was every bit as remarkable. A warm, generous soul, he was deeply loyal to those he cared about. He built friendships that lasted, that meant something. He gave more than he took. And he did it all with a humility that only made you admire him more.

But perhaps the role he cherished most was that of a father. He often spoke about his children on and off the air—not as a way to fill time, but because they were the center of his universe. The love he had for his family shone through in every word, every story, every expression of pride. Matt didn’t just talk about being a dad—he was a dad, in every sense of the word. Steady, devoted, beaming with pride, and endlessly supportive.

There’s something uniquely intimate about radio. You don’t just hear a voice—you invite it into your life. And for so many of us, Matt’s voice was a part of our story. He was there on the best days, helping celebrate the little joys. He was there on the hard days, offering levity and comfort when we needed it most. That is a gift not many can give. And Matt gave it freely, consistently, and wholeheartedly.

To his beloved family, our deepest condolences. May you find solace in the outpouring of love from a community that felt Matt’s light. His was a rare kind of presence—the kind that doesn’t fade but reverberates. Through memories, through stories, through the invisible thread of connection he so skillfully spun across the airwaves, Matt O’Neill will continue to echo.

And to Matt—thank you. Thank you for being exactly who you were. Thank you for the laughter, the sincerity, the silliness, and the soul. Thank you for showing us what it means to lead with heart.

Your mic may be silent, but your voice lives on—in the city you loved, in the hearts you touched, and in the morning air that still carries your spirit. Rest easy, Matt. You were truly one of a kind.