Obituary of John O'Brien

Veteran WWII Royal Canadian Air Force Bomber Command, GM Retiree - 45 years of service It is with warm hearts and fond memories that the family of Jack O'Brien (affectionately known as O'Bie) announces his peaceful passing after 91 proud years. An accomplished yet humble WWII Airman of the Royal Canadian Air Force and a lifelong General Motors employee in both Skilled Trades and Labour Relations. O'Bie lived his life graciously, full of humour, loyalty and goodwill and thoroughly enjoyed his Irish heritage. O'Bie and Joan recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary together which was anchored by hard work and dedication towards each other, their family and many friends. First drawn to each other by their mutual prowess for badminton, golf, curling and tennis. Much of their later life together was spent enjoying countless sun filled days at the cottage in the summer with family and at their home away from home at Pinnacle Port in Panama City Beach, Florida with their good friends during the winter. O'Bie's magnetic spirit is carried on proudly through his loving wife Joan nee Roughley and their four children Lynn (Greg) Drohan, Daniel (Beth) O'Brien, Lee Ann (the late Mario) Marano, and their youngest Christine (Gregg) Lintern. O'Bie was a proud grandfather, patriarch, and irreplaceable role model to his eight grandchildren, Christopher, Patrick (Kelly), Jaci (Brandon), Michael, Kristen, Katie, Johnny and Claire. O'Bie was effortlessly charming, full of jokes, gave the best hugs, and always listened to and supported his family from beginning to end. His optimistic yet pensive outlook never wavered throughout his lifetime and his memory, character, essence and energy will remain glowing in all our hearts forever. The family of Jack O'Brien will receive friends at the DeStefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive (Taunton Road East of Thornton Road) 905-440-3595 on Monday, March 3rd from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church, 194 Simcoe St. North, Oshawa, on Tuesday, March 4th at 11:00 a.m. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Right to Play or to True Patriot Love. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.destefanofuneralhomes.ca