Obituary of Bobby O’Brien
Robert “Bobby” Kevin O’Brien
West St. Modeste, NL
January 20, 1966 – September 10, 2020
It is with heavy hearts that the family of the late Bobby Kevin O’Brien announce his passing on Thursday, September 10th, 2020, at Labrador South Health Centre, NL at the age of 54.
He will be dearly missed and loved by his wife, Valerie; daughters, Genista (Matt) Peddle, Mandy (Blair) Clarke, Brittany O’Brien; grandsons, Jensen Peddle, Bentley Clarke, Ryder Clarke, Karsen Clarke; mother, Hazel O’Brien; brothers, Ricky (Maxine) O’Brien, Garry O’Brien, Lyle (Tracey) O’Brien; sisters, Marita (Lourie) Etheridge, Donna O’Brien, Roseann (Stanley) Linstead; mother-in-law, Geraldine McDonald, sister-in-law, Darlene McDonald, brother-in-law, Carl McDonald, many nieces, nephews and a wide circle of family and friends. He was pre-deceased by his father, Clifford O’Brien, sister-in-law, Priscella O’Brien, brother-in-law, Godfrey McDonald, and nephew Ethan O’Brien.
Family and friends visitation will take place on Friday, Sept 11, from 2-4 pm, at Bobby’s favourite hangout, “Bob’s Custom Furniture” in West St. Modeste, which just happens to be his carpentry business workshop of which he spent many hours, and was so very proud of. “Celebration of Life” will take place on Saturday, Sept 12, at 3 pm, followed by cremation and distribution of his ashes in all of Bobby’s favourite stomping grounds.
Bobby was born in Lourdes de Blanc Sablon, QC, and lived in Middle Bay until the age of nine. At that time, Bobby and his family relocated to L’Anse Au Loup, NL where he attended OLOL School in West St Modeste.
Bobby met the love of his life, Valerie McDonald, and were married in 1988. They had three beautiful daughters, and was later blessed with two “sons” and four adorable grandsons. During Bobby and Valerie’s years together in West St. Modeste, he was involved in numerous community activities including: councillor of the town council/combined council, and a longtime member of the community fire brigade. In fact, Bobby is highly responsible for advocating for the new fire truck, of which will be proudly named “Bob’s Truck.”
Bobby was a fantastic carpenter. All his hardwork paid off, and his dream was fulfilled when he opened the doors of his own business, “Bob’s Custom Furniture.” You would know he had a busy day when you saw him with a short, yellow pencil behind his ear, and covered in sawdust (aka Man Glitter)! In 2018/2019, Bobby overlooked his illness and completed the necessary renovations/repair work for Our Lady of Labrador Church, the boardwalk on Bouquet Hill, as well work on the West St Modeste Town Center.
Outside of his woodshop, Bobby loved the outdoors. He was an avid gardener, especially when it came to potatoes. His grandsons will surely carry on that tradition by setting their very own garden at their campsite. Bobby spent many hours on the marshes picking bakeapples, down the river salmon fishing, cod fishing, and in the woods. He often said that he found peace there. Bobby’s love was the annual family moose hunt, of which the tradition will continue, and stories will be told to future generations…maybe 🙂
A special thank you to Bonnie Decker and Rhonda Hicks, the oncology nurses at Curtis Memorial hospital, St. Anthony, for their comfort and amazing care while Bobby was taking chemo treatment. Also, to all the staff at Forteau Health Center, a heartfelt thank you from the entire O’Brien family for your care and comfort. You are truly amazing! There are Angels all around us.
Fly with the angels, Bobby, and rest easy. Your work here on Earth is done.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bobby
Bobby
O’Brien 1966 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Corner-Brook, Province: T-N