The family of John O’Brien is saddened to announce his passing in the early morning of Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at the age of 85 years.
John was born in Trenton, Ontario and moved to Sudbury as a child. He married the love of his life, Delia O’Brien (nee Martin), in 1963. In 1979, John and Delia moved to Calgary, AB with their three boys.
John will be lovingly remembered by his sons, David (Nicola), and Dan (Dennis); and his daughters-in-law, Shelley (Ken) and Donna. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Michael (Deanna), Tyler (Amber), Carter, and Jenna; and great granddaughter Emma, who was the sparkle in his eye. He will also be missed by his sisters, Theresa Long (Niilo), Mary Charbonneau (Romeo), and Margaret Duff (John); his brothers, Mike O’Brien (Joan), Terry O’Brien (Louise), and Eddie O’Brien (Diane). John will also be remembered by his friends at Cambrian Manor who held a special place in his heart. He was predeceased by his wife Delia; his infant son, Michael; his son, Patrick; his sister, Helen Campbell (Rolly); and his brother, Patrick (Dolly).
John was fiercely devoted to his family and he always was willing to sacrifice his own needs for the happiness of others. He took incredible pride in the success of his sons and grandchildren. In his eyes, his grandchildren could do no wrong, but “Poppa” was always quick to give them his opinion and guidance. John will be missed for the way he could tell a story, which was always full of humor and his repertoire of inappropriate jokes. Although he never talked about it, he was always performing charitable acts for others, such as buying groceries for his neighbours when they fell on hard times, or taking care of his neighbours and friends if they were sick by cooking, cleaning and taking them to their appointments. We would only find out about these acts through others who experienced and witnessed his kindness.
John was a special human being, and we were proud to call him Brother, Husband, Dad, Poppa, Uncle, Friend.
Thank you to the staff of the Brentwood Extended Care Centre for their exceptional kindness in taking care of John. It was heartwarming how John also touched your lives when seeing the tears in your eyes as you said goodbye.
Dad, you will be missed and be proud of the legacy you left behind.
Always in our hearts.
A Church Service for John will be held in Sudbury, Ontario at a later date.
Service Program
Click to download / open
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Kenneth O’Brien December 7 1933 February 26 2019 (age 85)..
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta