Obituary for
Michael O’Brien
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Joseph O’Brien, peacefully on Saturday, December 1st, 2018 at the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice at age 53. Cherished husband of Cathy (Lalande). Loved and dedicated father of Matthew, James, and Hannah.
Mike was number 9 of 10 siblings. Predeceased by his parents Edmund and Shirley O’Brien and brother-in-law Jim O’Doherty. He is survived by his beloved siblings Robert (Carol Grant), Anne (Bryan Smith), Cathy (Bill Deslauriers), Patrick (Deirdre Murphy), Mary (Tim Hyde), Colleen (Eddie Karam), John (Judy Duppa), Mark (Suzanne Beauregard), and Jennifer (Steve Humphreys). Loving Son-in-law of Ann Lalande and the late Claude. Brother-in-law of Donna and Michel Prévost. Also lovingly remembered by his Aunts and Uncles, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Mike will be dearly missed by friends and colleagues.
Mike was affectionately known as OB, Breather, Coach, Uncle Mike. Mike showed us how to live with humility, compassion and integrity and we will greatly miss his love, wisdom and guidance. Everyone loved him for his generosity with his time, his strength and ability to make everyone feel welcome. We are all better off having known him. He inspired us to live life to the fullest and to our utmost capabilities.
Mike joined the Ottawa Citizen in October 1988 part time as a District Supervisor before moving to the Financial Services Department as an Assistant Collection Clerk. In 1999 Mike was the Citizen’s loaned representative to the United Way within the Business Development division where he provided support to volunteers and managed key accounts in the community. In November 1999 Mike joined the advertising department where he enjoyed various roles within the team and was well respected from both clients and coworkers alike. He was dedicated and committed to anything he set his mind to.
Hockey was an integral part of Mike’s life. He loved to play the game, ref the game and most of all to coach. Each year he was grateful for the opportunity to share his love of the game with his players. Coach Mike knew how to bring fun to the game and much of his success could be attributed to that. He always said that hockey taught him more about himself and life that he could have ever imagined.
Mike loved the outdoors, spending time at Crosby lake and skiing with family and friends. So whenever we look up at a blue sky, mountain top or upon the waters of a beautiful river or lake, let us promise to immediately think of our dear husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, coach, and colleague. His infectious smile that nothing – not even his unfair and untimely passing – can ever, ever take away from us. Let’s commit ourselves to live the kind, selfless life that has ended far too soon.
You will never be forgotten and will forever be held in our hearts,
Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O’Connor) on Friday, December 7th from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass at St. Maurice Catholic Church, 4 Perry Street, Ottawa on Saturday, December 8 at 11:00 am, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.
The family extends a special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Ottawa campus oncology floor, the Civic campus NACU and neurology floor, and Ruddy Shenkman Hospice Care for their attentive and compassionate care during Mike’s journey
Donations in memory of Mike to Hospice Care Ottawa (Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice) or Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada would be appreciated.
Condolences – Tributes – Donations
Hulse, Playfair & McGarry
www.hpmcgarry.ca
613 – 233 – 1143
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Michael
O’Brien 1965 2018.
Source:Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Inc
Décès pour la Ville: Ottawa, Province: Ontario
